County officials; creating the Volunteer County Emergency Response Corps Act. Effective date.
Summary
SB779 creates the “Volunteer County Emergency Response Corps Act” and directs county sheriffs, county commissioners, and emergency management personnel to work together to build a county-level system for recruiting residents to volunteer time, expertise, supplies, and facilities during emergencies. The bill contemplates a structured roster of volunteers and resources, including construction and landscaping services for debris removal, temporary staging areas such as churches and businesses, chaplain services, first response and medical support, transportation, and other emergency-related specializations.
The bill also requires at least two designated county employees to create, maintain, operate, and update the volunteer system, including contact information and available skills or supplies. Counties must hold at least one public meeting each year to promote and discuss the program. In addition, the bill provides liability protections for volunteers and entities that participate, shielding them from civil liability unless harm results from gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct, and limits county liability for injuries to volunteers or participating entities except in cases of gross negligence or deliberate actions.
Impact
SB779 would add a new section to Title 19 of the Oklahoma Statutes, formally authorizing and structuring county emergency volunteer corps programs across the state. It imposes administrative duties on county sheriffs, county commissioners, and emergency management personnel, and it creates a statewide framework for counties to organize local volunteer resources for disaster and emergency response. The bill also affects liability rules by extending immunity to participating volunteers and entities and by limiting county exposure for injuries connected to the program, which could influence how counties recruit and manage emergency assistance networks.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill. It passed the Senate on February 11, 2025 by a 7-2 vote and received a “Do Pass As Amended” recommendation from the Senate Committee on Local and County Government. The vote and committee action indicate support for the concept of formalizing volunteer-based emergency response at the county level, likely reflecting interest in improving local disaster readiness and coordination.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are the new administrative responsibilities placed on counties and the liability protections granted to volunteers, participating entities, and counties. Supporters likely view the bill as a practical way to mobilize local resources and improve emergency response capacity, while critics may be concerned about whether counties have the staff and infrastructure to maintain the system, whether the annual meeting and registry requirements create burdens, and whether the immunity provisions sufficiently protect injured parties or shift risk too broadly. The bill text and voting record do not show recorded debate, so these concerns are inferred from the structure of the legislation rather than from explicit transcript objections.