Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Committee advances bill to recognize public works employees as first responders
Loading...
Summary
The Senate Judiciary B committee on March 10 reported Senate Bill 164 favorably; sponsor Senator Patrick McMath said the measure would expand the definition of 'first responders' to include public works employees who handle disaster cleanup and emergency infrastructure tasks.
Senator Patrick McMath told the Senate Committee on Judiciary B on March 10 that Senate Bill 164 would add public works employees to the legal definition of "first responders." McMath said the change builds on last year’s Act 53 and reflects the role public works crews play in debris removal and supporting emergency services during disasters.
"Senate bill 164 simply seeks to add public works employees to the definition of first responders," Senator Patrick McMath said, arguing the crews work alongside EMS and other first responders in emergencies.
Committee members asked no additional questions, there were no public-comment cards filed on the bill, and Senator Talbot moved to report the measure favorably. Senator McMath waived closing remarks. With no objection, the committee reported SB164 favorably to the full Senate.
The bill is scheduled to be considered by the full Senate next; if passed there it would proceed to the House for committee review and then a floor vote.
Context: McMath told the committee that Act 53, passed last year, expanded the definition of first responders in one area (electrical alignment) and that SB164 aims to further broaden that definition to include public works staff statewide.
