HAZMAT EMERGENCY RESPONDERS

Amends the Illinois Emergency Management Act. Provides that "emergency services" under the Act include services provided by a volunteer HazMat response team. Defines "volunteer HazMat response team". Requires the Agency, in consultation with the State Fire Marshal, to coordinate and establish standards and qualifications for the specialized training of members of volunteer HazMat response teams. Provides that volunteer HazMat response team members are eligible for certain State benefits if injured or killed under certain circumstances. Provides that when the Governor of the State, or the principal executive officer of a political subdivision of the State, accepts funds by way of gift or grant for purposes of emergency management, a portion of the funds should go to counties for the formation and operation of volunteer HazMat response teams. Amends the Counties Code. Allows county boards to authorize volunteer HazMat response teams. Provides that a county board may make reasonable appropriations from the county treasury to fund and encourage the formation and operation of a volunteer Hazmat response team. Requires a volunteer HazMat response team to be exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Amends the Local Government and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act. Makes changes to provide volunteer HazMat response teams and their members the same tort immunities that are granted to fire fighters. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the vehicles of a volunteer HazMat response team are authorized emergency vehicles and are not commercial vehicles for purposes of the Uniform Commercial Driver's License Act.