SB61 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Del Marsh
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Domestic animals, person who rescues from vehicle, immunity from liability under certain circumstances
Summary: SB 61 would shield a person who rescues a domestic animal from a locked car from civil liability if they act in good faith to protect the animal and follow specific steps.
What This Bill Does
If a person believes a domestic animal in a locked vehicle is in imminent danger, they could be immune from liability for property damage or injury when rescuing it. They must know the animal is inside and that forcible entry is necessary because the car is locked. They must contact law enforcement, emergency medical services, or animal control before entering and stay with the animal until a responder arrives. They may use only the amount of force they reasonably believe is necessary to get the animal out.

Who It Affects
Rescuers or bystanders who remove a domestic animal from a locked motor vehicle, who would gain civil liability immunity if they meet the conditions.
Law enforcement, emergency medical services, animal control officers, and other first responders who are involved in the rescue and response process.

Key Provisions
Defines domestic animal as a dog, cat, or other domesticated household pet, and defines an enclosed motor vehicle.
Provides civil liability immunity for property damage or injury resulting from forcible entry to rescue a domestic animal if the stated conditions are met.
Conditions include: knowing the animal is present, good faith belief of imminent danger, vehicle is locked and forcible entry is necessary, contact with law enforcement/EMS/animal control before entry, and staying with the animal until responders arrive; only reasonable force may be used.
Effective date: becomes law 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: Animals