Bill > HB0289

This bill amends Utah's Good Samaritan Law to clarify and refine provisions related to emergency care, specifically in motor vehicle accidents. The bill modifies definitions of key terms like "child" and "emergency", and adjusts liability protections for individuals providing emergency assistance. Under the revised law, a person who renders emergency care gratuitously and in good faith is generally protected from civil damages, with two important exceptions: if the person is grossly negligent when providing care, or if they caused the emergency (in non-motor vehicle accident scenarios). The bill also maintains existing provisions that protect individuals who assist governmental agencies during public health emergencies or who use reasonable force to rescue a child from a locked vehicle. Additional clarifications include specifying that "emergency care" means actual assistance or advice intended to mitigate emergency effects, and updating language around definitions. The bill will take effect on May 7, 2025, and aims to provide clear guidelines for Good Samaritan actions while maintaining protections for well-intentioned individuals providing emergency assistance.

Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0289.html