wastewater plant workers get first responder radio status

The text as introduced · 213 words

90R337 SRA-D

By: Garcia Hernandez
H.B. No. 517

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the definition of first responder for the purposes of

the Governor's Interoperable Radio Communications Program.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 421.095(1), Government Code, is amended

to read as follows:

(1) "First responder" means a public safety employee

or volunteer whose duties include responding rapidly to an

emergency. The term includes:

(A) a peace officer whose duties include

responding rapidly to an emergency;

(B) fire protection personnel under Section

419.021;

(C) a volunteer firefighter who is:

(i) certified by the Texas Commission on

Fire Protection or by the State Firemen's and Fire Marshalls'

Association of Texas; or

(ii) a member of an organized volunteer

fire-fighting unit as described by Section 615.003;

(D) an individual certified as emergency medical

services personnel by the Department of State Health Services;

(E) an emergency response operator or emergency

services dispatcher who provides communication support services

for an agency by responding to requests for assistance in

emergencies; and

(F) other emergency response personnel employed

by an agency , including engineers and wastewater treatment plant

employees whose duties include responding rapidly to an emergency .

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.