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Senate passes bill authorizing emergency utility workers to cross curfews, with clarified immunity
Summary
Senate Bill 26 58 clarifies credentials and limited civil immunity for emergency utility workers during declared disasters, allowing travel through curfew and entry into restricted areas while preserving employer liability for negligent acts.
The Senate passed legislation clarifying the authority of credentialed emergency utility workers to travel on public roads and enter curfew or restricted-access areas to restore power during declared emergencies, and the bill limits immunity to good-faith emergency actions.
Leader Johnson described the bill as a response to lessons learned during the recent statewide ice storm, saying the measure provides reasonable statewide authority for line crews to operate in dangerous conditions while subject to oversight by law enforcement. "These brave men and women...putting their lives on the line in very, very treacherous conditions to get our power back on," Johnson said.
Floor amendments narrowed the scope of immunity to protect workers acting in good faith and clarified employers remain liable for negligent acts by employees. After the amendments were adopted, the Senate voted to pass the bill on third and final consideration (ayes 33). The sponsor said the bill does not shield gross negligence or willful misconduct.
