Senate Bill 1355 Summary

• Establishes the Idaho Law Enforcement, Firefighting and EMS Medal of Honor to recognize law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS providers killed or seriously injured in performance of duty, or distinguished by exceptionally meritorious conduct.

• Creates a medal of honor commission consisting of representatives from the Governor's office, Attorney General, prosecuting attorneys association, chiefs of police association, fire chiefs association, sheriffs' association, peace officers association, health and welfare department, peace officers standards and training council, and professional firefighters of Idaho, with the Attorney General serving as chair.

• Specifies medal awards occur during National Law Enforcement Recognition Week for law enforcement recipients and during the annual Idaho Fallen Firefighter Memorial for firefighters and EMS providers, with ceremonies held when the legislature is in session or at another time determined by the commission.

• Defines key terms including EMS provider (certified technician, advanced technician, or paramedic), firefighter, law enforcement officer, serious injury, and exceptional meritorious conduct (act of bravery and self-sacrifice at risk of serious injury or death).

• Establishes nomination procedures requiring written submissions on commission forms endorsed by the chief law enforcement officer, fire chief, or EMS agency head, with all supporting documentation included; qualifies nominees who performed with exceptional meritorious conduct that resulted in death or serious injury while in official capacity.