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 80 Original 2025 Regular Session Dewitt
Abstract: Expands the definition of "first responder" to include electrical linemen and defines
"electrical lineman".
Present law with regard to the Louisiana 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, and 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 includes electrical linemen 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. Provides further
that nothing in proposed law shall relieve an employer of its responsibilities pursuant to C.C. Art.
2320.
Proposed law provides that the term "first responder" may be displayed on the uniform of an
electrical lineman, but electrical linemen shall be considered private sector employees who are not
governed by the state or any local governmental subdivision of the state.
Proposed law includes electrical linemen as other skilled support personnel for purposes of the
Intrastate Mutual Aid Compact. 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))