Bill > SB0590

This bill amends a 1963 law that already provides protection from civil liability for individuals rendering emergency care, competitive sports care, or participating in mass immunization programs. Specifically, it adds a new section that shields individuals from being sued for damages if they voluntarily and in good faith apply bleeding control measures, such as pressure, a dressing, packing, or a tourniquet, to another person during an emergency medical situation, provided they had no pre-existing duty to do so. This protection from civil liability, meaning they cannot be held responsible in a lawsuit for money damages, is only waived if their actions or inactions in applying the bleeding control are considered gross negligence (a severe lack of care) or willful and wanton misconduct (intentionally disregarding a known risk). The bill also states that this new provision will only become law if another related bill, Senate Bill No. 591 of the 103rd Legislature, is also enacted.