IN HB1251

Designates emergency medical services, including emergency ambulance services, as essential services in Indiana and an essential purpose of political subdivisions

Requires county commissioners to identify areas unserved by emergency ambulance services and provide coverage through establishing a county service, contracting with public/private/nonprofit providers, or entering interlocal cooperation agreements

Allows governing bodies to opt out of the emergency ambulance service requirement by passing an ordinance after making reasonable compliance efforts, with the ordinance stating specific reasons and being sent to the Department of Homeland Security

Grants civil liability immunity to counties, governing bodies, and individual members who opt out for any personal injury or death resulting from lack of emergency ambulance services in unserved areas

Effective July 1, 2026; passed the House 83-0 on February 2, 2026 and is currently in Senate committee