Panel debates allowing municipalities to host EMS licensing training as volunteer shortages bite; committee majority votes not to pass with letters to Education

The Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee reviewed LD 969, a bill that would direct the Maine Emergency Medical Services Board to adopt rules allowing municipalities to host or conduct emergency medical services (EMS) licensing and relicensing training.

Sponsors and testimony described a statewide volunteer workforce that cannot access existing training: long travel times to training centers, classes scheduled during daytime hours, limited slots, and strict attendance policies that make it difficult for volunteers who work full‑time jobs. The sponsor said regional training centers are not designed around the schedules of volunteer responders and argued that municipalities need authority to host training locally.

Committee analysis and options

Colleen summarized that the bill would direct the EMS board to adopt rules but would not…