Bill allowing medical personnel to carry guns clears House

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Legislation allowing medical personnel to carry guns when they are involved in tactical law enforcement duties was passed by the Florida House.

The vote Wednesday was 111-2 in favor of the bill, which specifies that medical personnel could only carry guns if they have a concealed weapons permit and are assigned to law enforcement units such as SWAT teams. They would have to undergo firearms training and training in the law enforcement agency's use-of-force policies.

The medical professional would have no duty to retreat and could use deadly force only for self-defense or the defense of others. The measure would apply to a paramedic, physician or osteopathic physician assigned to a tactical law enforcement unit.

A similar bill is pending in a Senate committee.