Senate Bill No. 779, known as the Volunteer County Emergency Response Corps Act, establishes a framework for county officials in Oklahoma to engage residents as volunteers during emergencies. The bill mandates that county sheriffs, commissioners, and emergency management personnel collaborate to create a system for residents to offer their time, expertise, or resources. The selection of volunteers will prioritize various services, including construction, landscaping, chaplaincy, first response, and transportation, among others. Additionally, designated county employees will be responsible for maintaining this volunteer system and ensuring that residents can list their specialties and contact information.

The bill also provides liability protections for volunteers and entities participating in the Volunteer County Emergency Response Corps. Specifically, it states that these volunteers will be immune from civil liability for damages or injuries resulting from their actions, provided that such damages were not caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct. Furthermore, the county will not be liable for injuries to volunteers except in cases of gross negligence or deliberate actions. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.