SB14 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg J. Reed

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

Expands civil liability protection for volunteer rescue squads and nonprofit fire departments to include emergency medical responses to 911 calls.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 6-5-335 to grant immunity from civil damages to members who respond to 911 or other emergency calls to render medical assistance or emergency medical service, and to those who enter burning or endangered structures to protect property. The protection applies when they act gratuitously and in good faith and also covers injuries to fellow volunteers or property owners arising from those efforts, with an exception for wanton misconduct. It preserves existing immunity for entering burning structures and for acts or omissions in rendering aid, provided there is no wanton misconduct. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor or otherwise becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Members of organized rescue squads or volunteer nonprofit fire departments, who would gain civil liability protection when responding to emergency calls to render medical assistance or other emergency medical services.
• Owners of property and fellow volunteers, who are protected from civil damages arising from the volunteers' acts or omissions during these emergency responses (except for wanton misconduct).

Key Provisions

• Section 6-5-335 is amended to extend civil liability immunity to members responding to a 911 or other emergency call to render medical assistance or emergency medical service, in addition to immunity for entering burning or endangered structures.
• The immunity applies when members act gratuitously and in good faith and covers acts or omissions that could injure fellow volunteers or property owners, with an exception for wanton misconduct.
• The act becomes effective on the 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