HB68 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Jan 10, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Richard Baughn
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Civil liability, volunteer fire departments and rescue squads, protection from civil liability expanded to include responses to emergency calls for medical assistance, Sec. 6-5-335 am'd.
Summary: HB68 would extend civil liability protections for volunteer rescue squads and nonprofit fire departments to cover emergency medical responses.
What This Bill Does
It amends Section 6-5-335 to shield members who respond to 911 calls or other emergencies to render medical aid or emergency medical services. The protection also applies when entering burning or endangered buildings and for acts or omissions in providing medical help, including injuries to fellow volunteers or property owners. The shield is available only if members act in good faith, gratuitously, and in line with applicable rules, and it does not cover cases of wanton misconduct. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after governor approval.

Who It Affects
Members of organized rescue squads or volunteer nonprofit fire departments: gain civil liability protection when responding to medical emergencies or providing emergency medical services.
Owners of property where rescue or medical assistance is provided: protected from civil damages related to volunteers' actions or omissions on their property.
Fellow volunteers: protected from civil damages for injuries caused by other volunteers during rescue or medical aid efforts.

Key Provisions
Expands liability protection to include responses to 911 calls or other emergency medical services.
Protection covers entering burning or endangered buildings and acts/omissions in rendering medical aid or emergency services.
Protection applies to injuries to fellow volunteers or to owners of property arising from the volunteers' actions.
Protection is limited to actions conducted in good faith, gratuitously, and in accordance with applicable rules, regulations, standards, and statutes; does not cover wanton misconduct.
Amends Section 6-5-335 to codify these protections.
Effective date: first day of the third month following passage and governor approval.

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 Liability