HB390 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

April WeaverSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Civil Procedure, certain caregiver volunteers immune from civil action, Sec. 6-5-332 am'd.

Summary

The bill extends civil immunity to unpaid volunteers who provide temporary in-home care for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses under the direction of the primary caregiver, if they act in good faith and as a reasonably prudent person.

What This Bill Does

It amends the Good Samaritan provision to shield such volunteers from civil damages for acts or omissions while delivering or arranging in-home care, provided there is no charge for services and care is carried out prudently. The immunity aligns with existing categories covered by the law, but adds conditions and clarifications (including potential exceptions such as gross negligence and specific AED-related limitations). The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Unpaid volunteers who provide temporary in-home care to a person with a disability or chronic illness under the direction of the primary home caregiver, who would receive civil immunity for their actions or omissions.
• People with disabilities or chronic illnesses who receive in-home care from such volunteers, who may experience increased access to volunteer support without liability concerns.
• Primary home caregivers and families coordinating in-home care, who gain greater assurance that volunteers assisting with care are protected from civil liability when acting in good faith.

Key Provisions

• Amendment to Section 6-5-332 to extend civil immunity to unpaid volunteers providing temporary in-home care under the direction of the primary home caregiver for a person with a disability or chronic illness.
• Immunity requires the volunteer to act in good faith, render care without charging for goods or services, and act as a reasonably prudent person under similar circumstances.
• Immunity covers acts or omissions in rendering care or arranging for care, with exceptions such as potential denial of immunity for gross negligence and specific limitations related to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and related manufacturers.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after 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 Procedure