Abstract: Adds electrical linemen to the definition of "first responder", provides a definition for
"electrical lineman", and provides that electrical linemen are not to receive the same benefits
of first responders paid by the state or political subdivisions of the state.
Present law with regard to the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster
Act, provides a definition of "first responder" as meaning a volunteer engaged in activities involving
the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness pursuant to R.S. 29:721
et seq., including but not limited to medical personnel, emergency and medical technicians, volunteer
firemen, auxiliary law enforcement officers, and members of the Civil Air Patrol.
Present law also provides that "first responder" means the first arriving organized responders with
the capability and mission to contain, mitigate, and resolve the emergency at hand.
Present law, with regard to the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster
Act, also 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, including emergency response providers as defined in Section 2 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101), 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 provides that "electrical lineman" be included in the definition of "first responder".
Proposed law defines "electrical lineman" as a person employed to install, maintain, or repair
electrical transmission and power distribution systems for the purpose of being allowed first access
to the scene of an emergency and not for purposes of monetary or health benefits.
Proposed law provides that electrical linemen shall be considered first responders only during
weather emergencies as declared by the governor pursuant to R.S. 29:721 et seq.
Proposed law further provides that nothing in proposed law shall relieve an employer of its
responsibilities pursuant to C.C. Art. 2320.
Effective upon signature of 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(20))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Provide that electrical linemen are to be considered first responders only during weather
emergencies as declared by the governor pursuant to R.S. 29:721 et seq.
2. Provide that nothing in proposed law shall relieve an employer of its responsibilities
pursuant to C.C. Art. 2320.
3. Make technical changes.


Statutes affected:
HB79 Original: 29:739(C)
HB79 Engrossed: 29:739(C)
HB79 Reengrossed: 23:1(6), 29:739(C)