DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 392 Engrossed 2022 Regular Session Hughes
Abstract: Provides that certain employees of communications districts may be considered first
responders.
Present law authorizes the governing authority of any parish to create communications districts
composed of territory lying within the parish. Provides for the establishment of the number 911 as
the primary emergency telephone number for use in communications districts and for the
identification of all streets, roads, highways, and dwelling places in the districts. Provides that the
districts are political subdivisions of the state and are generally governed by a seven-member board
of commissioners. Provides that the Jefferson Parish communications district is governed by the
parish governing authority.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law authorizes the governing board to employ employees, experts, and consultants as it may
deem necessary to assist the commission in the discharge of its responsibilities to the extent that
funds are made available.
Proposed law retains present law and additionally provides that district employees who are
emergency public safety telecommunicators who provide communications support services for an
agency by responding to requests for assistance in emergencies may be considered first responders.
(Amends R.S. 33:9103(D) and 9124(B))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and
Cultural Affairs to the original bill:
1. Make bill applicable to employees who are emergency public safety telecommunicators
rather than emergency response operators or emergency services dispatchers.
2. Make bill permissive rather than mandatory.
3. Remove definition of first responder.