SB 329 Summary

• Authorizes Indiana state and local governments to enter into written mutual aid agreements with out-of-state governmental units to coordinate emergency response, training, and standby services for emergencies that may or may not require a formal state or local disaster declaration.

• Recognizes professional licenses, certificates, and permits issued by other states as valid in Indiana when an emergency responder provides aid under a mutual aid agreement, provided the responder acts within the scope of their license and Indiana equivalents.

• Extends all immunities from civil liability available to Indiana state agencies and political subdivisions to out-of-state emergency responders providing aid or training under mutual aid agreements.

• Specifies that out-of-state emergency responders remain employees of their original jurisdiction and do not create employment relationships with requesting Indiana entities; ensures their pension, worker's compensation, disability, and death benefits extend to services performed in Indiana.

• Requires mutual aid agreements to be approved under the same procedures as interlocal cooperation agreements and does not modify Indiana's emergency management statutes or the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.