HB227 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: John W. Rogers
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Motor vehicles, removal of child or incapacitated person from locked vehicle, immunity under certain conditions
Summary: HB227 provides civil immunity to someone who rescues a child or incapacitated person from an unattended locked vehicle under specific conditions.
What This Bill Does
The bill allows a person who enters a vehicle to rescue a child or incapacitated person to be protected from civil liability for damage to the vehicle, if they meet certain requirements. These include confirming the vehicle is locked or has no safe exit, having a good faith belief that entry is necessary due to imminent danger, notifying law enforcement or calling 911 before or immediately after entry, using only the amount of force needed, and staying with the person in a safe location until responders arrive. It defines who qualifies as an incapacitated person and what counts as a motor vehicle for purposes of the law. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it.

Who It Affects
People who rescue a child or incapacitated person from a locked unattended vehicle will have civil immunity from damages related to entering the vehicle if they meet the stated conditions.
Children or incapacitated persons in vehicles who are in imminent danger and may be rescued under the act will be protected by the rescue provisions and the subsequent safety procedures.

Key Provisions
Defines incapacitated person and motor vehicle using existing Alabama code references.
Provides civil immunity from damage to the motor vehicle for a person who rescues under the outlined conditions.
Conditions include: (a) vehicle is locked or no reasonable exit, (b) good faith belief of imminent danger, (c) notification of law enforcement or 911 before/soon after entry, (d) use of only necessary force, (e) stays with the person in a safe location near the vehicle until responders arrive.
Effective date: the first day of the third month after the Governor signs the bill.

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