Bill > S08840

This bill, known as the New York Emergency Responder Act, amends the Executive Law to shield certain individuals and entities from civil liability when providing emergency assistance. It defines various terms such as "public official," "public safety official," "law enforcement official," and "code enforcement official" as individuals with executive responsibility in their respective jurisdictions during an emergency. A "declared emergency" is defined as a state disaster emergency or local emergency order proclamation due to a disaster, rioting, or similar public emergency. The bill states that any person, corporation, or entity, along with their employees and agents, providing "emergency assistance" – which includes advice, labor, materials, or services related to an emergency – at the request of or under contract with authorized officials or entities, will not be liable for civil damages unless their actions constitute gross negligence, or reckless, wanton, or intentional misconduct. This protection applies for a limited time after the emergency is declared over or the assistance is completed, and does not apply to those whose primary business is providing emergency response services, those manufacturing emergency equipment, or those whose negligence caused the emergency itself. The act takes effect immediately.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8840