HB524 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris EnglandRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Children, animals, person who rescues from vehicle, immunity from liability under certain circumstances

Summary

HB524 would shield rescuers who remove a person or domestic animal from a locked vehicle from civil liability if they act in good faith to stop imminent harm, under specific conditions.

What This Bill Does

It creates civil immunity for property damage or injury resulting from forcible entry into a locked vehicle when a rescuer believes someone or a domestic animal is in imminent danger and takes steps to help. The rescuer must have a good faith belief, verify the vehicle is locked, and contact law enforcement, emergency services, or animal control before entering, stay with the rescued, and use only reasonable force. If the rescuer leaves, they must leave a notice on the windshield with their name, contact, reason for entry, and the location of the rescued.

Who It Affects

• rescuers who remove a person or domestic animal from a locked vehicle in good faith to prevent imminent harm would gain immunity from civil liability for property damage or injury if they follow the bill's conditions.
• vehicle owners or operators (and pet owners) could see fewer potential civil claims against rescuers when a rescue meets the bill's criteria, and thus their vehicle could be damaged without liability against the rescuer.

Key Provisions

• Immunity from civil liability for property damage or injury to a rescuer resulting from forcible entry into a vehicle to remove a person or domestic animal, if conditions are met.
• Conditions include knowledge that a person or domestic animal is present, a good faith belief of imminent danger, a locked vehicle, and that forcible entry is necessary.
• Rescuer must contact law enforcement, emergency medical services, or animal control before forcibly entering the vehicle.
• Rescuer must remain with the person or domestic animal until responders arrive.
• Rescuer must use no more force than reasonably necessary to allow exit or removal.
• If the rescuer leaves before the owner returns, they must place a notice on the windshield with their name, phone number, reason for entry, and the location of the rescued.
• Definitions: Domestic animal includes dogs/cats; vehicle is an enclosed vehicle as defined.
• Effective date: 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

Children