HB435 Emergency Services Personnel

[parabelum]

It was sent to Gov. for signing on 5/30. Does anyone have an update? I can't seem to find anything after 5/30.

[TreyHouston]

It was sent to Gov. for signing on 5/30. Does anyone have an update? I can't seem to find anything after 5/30.

There isn't any press on this anywhere! If not read on this forum, I don't think anyone would even know about this! Very odd. Perhaps a hush hush kinda thing?

[Papa_Tiger]

It was sent to Gov. for signing on 5/30. Does anyone have an update? I can't seem to find anything after 5/30.

There isn't any press on this anywhere! If not read on this forum, I don't think anyone would even know about this! Very odd. Perhaps a hush hush kinda thing?

The best place to go for info is the TLO site:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/

You can search for the bill by using the "Search Legislation" box in the middle of your screen. Just make sure that the "Legislature" box is set to 85(R) - 2017 and that the "Bill Number" radio button is selected.

By default, it will take you to the history tab which gives the most recent information on the bill. If you want to see a graphic of the process, go to the "Bill Stages" tab.

Voila! You know exactly as much as everyone else does, and I've taught a man to fish!

If the Governor doesn't veto it, HB435 will become law on June 18, 2017 with an effective date of September 1, 2017.

[locke_n_load]

Looks like I need to join the Texas State Guard soon.

[parabelum]

It was sent to Gov. for signing on 5/30. Does anyone have an update? I can't seem to find anything after 5/30.

There isn't any press on this anywhere! If not read on this forum, I don't think anyone would even know about this! Very odd. Perhaps a hush hush kinda thing?

The best place to go for info is the TLO site:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/

You can search for the bill by using the "Search Legislation" box in the middle of your screen. Just make sure that the "Legislature" box is set to 85(R) - 2017 and that the "Bill Number" radio button is selected.

By default, it will take you to the history tab which gives the most recent information on the bill. If you want to see a graphic of the process, go to the "Bill Stages" tab.

Voila! You know exactly as much as everyone else does, and I've taught a man to fish!

If the Governor doesn't veto it, HB435 will become law on June 18, 2017 with an effective date of September 1, 2017.

Thank you sir.

[Alf]

Looks like I need to join the Texas State Guard soon.

It's worthwhile work but I don't see the TSG in the HB435 text. Did it get added later? With the stipend for training and while activated, TSG wouldn't qualify as unpaid volunteers.

[TreyHouston]

Looks like I need to join the Texas State Guard soon.

It's worthwhile work but I don't see the TSG in the HB435 text. Did it get added later? With the stipend for training and while activated, TSG wouldn't qualify as unpaid volunteers.

TXSG recieves orders and provides security for civil purposes (loosely explained) and they do not recieve pay. Only pay is responding to actual emergencies (hurricanes and floods) do they get paid.

[locke_n_load]

Looks like I need to join the Texas State Guard soon.

It's worthwhile work but I don't see the TSG in the HB435 text. Did it get added later? With the stipend for training and while activated, TSG wouldn't qualify as unpaid volunteers.

I don't know if "stipend" would be the same as getting paid, as they only get that if "deployed" and seems more like a reimbursement to me. They pay for their own uniforms to my understanding, don't know who wouldn't consider them volunteers.

HB435 text:

(18) "Volunteer emergency services personnel"
includes a volunteer firefighter, an emergency medical services
volunteer as defined by Section 773.003, Health and Safety Code,
and any individual who, as a volunteer, provides services for the
benefit of the general public during emergency situations.

I can't think of a group that meets the latter definition to a T.

[ninjabread]

HB435 text:

(18) "Volunteer emergency services personnel"
includes a volunteer firefighter, an emergency medical services
volunteer as defined by Section 773.003, Health and Safety Code,
and any individual who, as a volunteer, provides services for the
benefit of the general public during emergency situations.

I can't think of a group that meets the latter definition to a T.

I think the Red Cross meets that definition to a T for the volunteers but not the paid employees.

[loktite]

HB435 text:

(18) "Volunteer emergency services personnel"
includes a volunteer firefighter, an emergency medical services
volunteer as defined by Section 773.003, Health and Safety Code,
and any individual who, as a volunteer, provides services for the
benefit of the general public during emergency situations.

I can't think of a group that meets the latter definition to a T.

HAM radio operators

[NotRPB]

HB435 text:

(18) "Volunteer emergency services personnel"
includes a volunteer firefighter, an emergency medical services
volunteer as defined by Section 773.003, Health and Safety Code,
and any individual who, as a volunteer, provides services for the
benefit of the general public during emergency situations.

I can't think of a group that meets the latter definition to a T.

HAM radio operators

Around Marble Falls, Central Texas/ Highland Lakes, I believe that several Hams (HLARC HIGHLAND LAKES AMATEUR RADIO CLUB meets at EMS in Marble Falls http://hlarc.org/ )

are also CERT

Community Emergency Response Teams which is exactly Community Volunteers providing Emergency Response

you can find one in your county or by zip code
https://www.google.com/search?q=cert&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Burnet County CERT
http://www.burnetcountytexas.org/defaul ... e=oem.home

CERT Application (Burnet County CERT)
Restrictions:
Must be 18 years of age or older
A criminal background check will take place prior to acceptance as a volunteer

Application Process:
1.Please submit the completed application to
.....redacted ,,,,
2.Attend 22 hours of core training
3.Complete a criminal background check


Volunteers:

Are issued identifying items such as ID cards, caps, shirts or patches

Receive local and national recognition and a
wards for outstanding volunteer efforts

May receive positive recommendations for job applications

Gain experience that may help in perusing job opportunities

Receive training that teaches new skills and develops new interest

http://www.burnetcountytexas.org/users/ ... %20PDF.pdf

You don't have to be a HAM Radio Operator to be in CERT, but ... both help in Emergencies so why not.

Online CERT Training Materials
https://www.fema.gov/training-materials

[parabelum]

Join your local VFD, legitimate way to serve your community, excellent training, occasionally fun, occasionally terrifying.

You will be not only helping out your community, but you'll also receive valuable training and certification in Fire/EMS. Getting pass the 06/07 signs is just an added bonus.

If you are older and/or unable to run calls, many departments would love to have your help at the administrative end.

[apostate]

Only pay is responding to actual emergencies (hurricanes and floods) do they get paid.

I wasn't paid for helping neighbors after Ike, so I should qualify for the 30.06 loophole as much as any "paid volunteer" does, if not more.