House Bill No. [insert bill number] amends the definition of "first responder" to include public works employees, recognizing them as essential emergency response personnel during declared emergencies. The bill specifically defines "public works first responder" as a state, parish, or municipal employee whose primary duties involve public infrastructure operations, maintenance, or repair, and who is required to perform emergency response functions during disasters. This inclusion aims to integrate public works employees into state and local emergency preparedness, response, and recovery operations.

Additionally, the bill outlines limitations regarding the designation of public works employees as first responders, ensuring that this status does not alter their eligibility for retirement benefits, create presumptions related to workers' compensation, or mandate additional compensation. It also emphasizes that any expansion of benefits related to this designation would require separate legislative authorization. Public works first responders will be eligible for emergency preparedness training and exercises coordinated by the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, subject to available resources.

Statutes affected:
HB942 Original: 23:1(C)