Bill > HB2402

This bill expands the definition of "first responder" to include "emergency utility workers," who are individuals employed by or contracted by utility companies (for electricity, gas, communications, etc.) to restore essential services during declared natural emergencies. It allows these emergency utility workers to travel and enter areas with curfews or restricted access when necessary for restoration work, provided they present credentials to law enforcement, though law enforcement can still deny access for valid reasons. Furthermore, the bill grants immunity from civil liability to emergency utility workers and their employers for good-faith actions or omissions during emergency restoration efforts, unless those actions involve willful misconduct, gross negligence, or are unrelated to their duties, with specific exceptions for employer negligence and motor vehicle operation.