LA HB942

Adds "public works first responder" to the legal definition of first responder, covering state, parish, and municipal employees who work in transportation, roads, bridges, drainage, utilities, water/wastewater systems, fleet operations, solid waste, and facilities maintenance

Recognizes public works first responders as essential emergency response personnel who may participate in incident command coordination, debris clearance, infrastructure stabilization, evacuation support, and mutual aid activities during declared emergencies

Authorizes issuance of emergency credentials and identification to public works first responders for access to restricted areas during declared emergencies

Explicitly excludes changes to retirement eligibility, workers' compensation presumptions, hazard pay mandates, or civil service classifications—any such expansions would require separate legislative authorization

Makes public works first responders eligible for emergency preparedness training, exercises, and planning activities coordinated by GOHSEP and local emergency management agencies, subject to available resources