HB510 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jeremy OdenAlabama Public Service Commission
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Greg Burdine Mike Jones Jim Patterson Ken Johnson Becky Nordgren Richard Baughn Wes Long Ed Henry Dan Williams Terri Collins Micky Hammon Mike Ball Juandalynn Givan
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Good Samaritan Law, civil immunity granted to certain persons, in good faith, without compensation, for participation in emergency response activities, Sec. 6-5-332 am'd.
Summary: This bill expands civil immunity for people who, in good faith and without pay, provide emergency care or participate in emergency response activities.
What This Bill Does
If passed, the bill grants civil immunity to a wide range of responders and volunteers who give first aid or emergency care at the scene. It also extends immunity to specific situations like helicopter downwash damages, doctor-advised actions, mine rescue operations, AED use and training, and certain licensed professionals involved in emergency response, for acts or omissions performed in good faith. Immunity generally covers acts and failures to act, with exceptions for gross negligence and certain liability limits. Affected activities are covered for a period after an emergency declaration (30 to 90 days).

Who It Affects
Individuals who provide emergency care or first aid at the scene for free and in good faith (including doctors, nurses, rescue squad members, police or fire department members, EMTs, interns/residents, and other trained personnel).
Other participants in emergency responses who are covered under specific provisions (such as helicopter EMS crews, mine rescue personnel, engineers/architects/surveyors/contractors working with emergency programs, and AED program hosts/trainers).

Key Provisions
Amends 6-5-332 to grant civil immunity to those who render first aid or emergency care gratuitously and in good faith, and for any act or failure to act in arranging further treatment.
Provides separate immunity for helicopter downwash-related property damages and for passengers disembarking from the helicopter.
Protects actions ordered by physicians at the scene that are within established medical procedures from liability.
Extends immunity to mine rescue planning and recovery operations, with limitations for those responsible for overall mine rescue operations.
Immunity for emergency care related to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), including site placement, training, and AED programs, while excluding manufacturers/sellers from immunity for claims under current law.
Grants immunity to certain licensed professionals (engineers, architects, surveyors, contractors) and others working under supervision in community emergency response or management programs, for acts within 30 to 90 days after an emergency declaration.
Creates immunity for persons who render emergency care without charging for goods or services, if they act as a reasonably prudent person would.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Civil Procedure