SB47 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

First responders; immunize certain community emergency responders from civil liability for rendering aid

Summary

SB47 expands Alabama’s civil liability protections to include FEMA-recognized community emergency response team (CERT) members who complete CERT training, shielding them from civil damages when providing first aid or emergency care.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 6-5-332 to add CERT members certified by FEMA and who completed the CERT training as immunized from civil damages for acts or omissions while rendering first aid or emergency care and for arranging further medical treatment. It also broadens immunity in related emergency scenarios (e.g., no-charge emergency care, AED usage and placement, and CERT-related activities by licensed professionals) and sets conditions (good faith, without compensation) and time limits (immunity continues for CERT-related actions within 90 days after an emergency declaration). Some specific protections for helicopter operations, physician-directed actions, and mine rescue are retained or clarified, with certain exceptions such as liability limits for AED manufacturers.

Who It Affects

• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members who have completed FEMA-recognized CERT training, protected from civil liability when providing first aid or emergency care at the scene.
• Licensed professionals and other individuals (e.g., engineers, architects, surveyors, contractors, and subcontractors) working under CERT direction or in CERT activities without compensation, protected from civil damages for CERT-related acts within 90 days after an emergency declaration.

Key Provisions

• Adds FEMA-recognized CERT training completion to immunity for CERT members rendering first aid or emergency care at the scene and for arranging further medical treatment.
• Extends immunity to helicopter crew activities related to emergency missions (downwash and disembarking) as part of emergency response.
• Provides that physicians directing emergency care under established procedures are not liable for actions taken to sustain life or reduce disability.
• Immunity for mine rescue planning and recovery operations by qualified individuals involved in CERT-related activities, with limitations on exempting facility operators from liability.
• Immunity for emergency care or treatment provided without charge using AEDs, including site placement and training, with exclusions for manufacturers.
• Immunity for licensed engineers, architects, surveyors, contractors, and related personnel working under CERT guidance and acting without compensation for CERT activities within 90 days after the emergency declaration.
• No-charge emergency care immunity for volunteers and others acting as reasonably prudent individuals, including AED-related roles, with gross negligence as a exception.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Courts & Judges