The state House approves legislation that supporters say will help the Cajun Navy and other volunteer groups have a greater impact during a disaster. Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says her family was helped by volunteers after the 2016 flood. She says the legislation gives the Cajun Navy access to state equipment and training.
But New Iberia Representative Terry Landry, the former head of State Police, is skeptical about bringing volunteers into a disaster situation.
Hodges says she met with just about every member of the emergency community when she drafted bill, including the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
The bill now moves to the Senate.