HB286 Alabama 2017 Session

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

HB286 would grant civil immunity to a person who rescues a child or incapacitated person from an unattended motor vehicle if certain conditions are met.

What This Bill Does

Provides civil immunity from damages to the vehicle for a person who rescues a child or incapacitated person from an unattended motor vehicle, if certain conditions are met. The rescuer must determine the vehicle is locked or has no reasonable exit, have a good faith belief that entry is necessary to prevent imminent harm, notify law enforcement or call 911 before entering (or immediately after), use only necessary force, and stay with the person in a safe location until responders arrive. The act defines incapacitated person and motor vehicle for this immunity and states when the act becomes effective.

Who It Affects

• A person who rescues a child or incapacitated person from an unattended motor vehicle and may be immunized from civil liability for vehicle damage if they meet the specified conditions.
• Children or incapacitated persons who are the ones being rescued from unattended vehicles.
• Law enforcement and other first responders who must be notified or called before entering and who respond to the scene.

Key Provisions

• Defines incapacitated person and motor vehicle for purposes of the act.
• Grants civil immunity from civil liability for damage to the vehicle to a person who rescues a child or incapacitated person from an unattended vehicle, provided all listed conditions are met (vehicle is locked or no reasonable exit; good faith belief of imminent danger; law enforcement/911 notification before entering or immediately after; use of only necessary force; and staying with the person in a safe location near the vehicle until responders arrive).
• Requires notification of law enforcement or 911 before entering the vehicle or immediately thereafter.
• Establishes that 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

Motor Vehicles