Provides relative to first responders. (gov sig)

SB 164 Original 2026 Regular Session McMath

Present law with regard to the La. Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act, defines "first responder" as a volunteer engaged in activities involving the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness pursuant to R.S. 29:721 et seq., and first responders as defined in R.S. 29:723, including medical personnel, emergency and medical technicians, volunteer firemen, auxiliary law enforcement officers, state agency essential workers, emergency service dispatchers, emergency response operators, and members of the Civil Air Patrol.

Present law provides that "first responder" refers to those individuals who in the early stages of an incident are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, evidence, and the environment, as well as emergency management, public health, clinical care, public works, and other skilled support personnel, such as equipment operators that provide immediate support services during prevention, response, and recovery operations consistent with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8.

Proposed law adds public works employees to the definition of "first responder".

Proposed law defines "public works employee" as an employee of a municipal or parish public works department who is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of municipal or parish infrastructure.

Proposed law provides that public works employees shall be considered first responders only during emergencies as declared by the governor pursuant to R.S. 29:721 et seq.

Proposed law provides that the term "first responder" may be displayed on the uniform of a public works employee.

Proposed law includes public works employees as other skilled support personnel for purposes of the Intrastate Mutual Aid Compact.

Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

(Amends R.S. 23:1017.1(6) and R.S. 29:739(C); adds R.S. 29:723(21))