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HF 3468

Civil action against a person for failure to render aid in certain circumstances permitted.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brion Curran and 3 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill creates civil liability for bystanders who fail to provide aid during emergencies, replacing traditional "no duty to rescue" legal doctrine.

Author added Curran
#emergencyand911services #legalproceedings
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 3468

Legislative bill overview

HF 3468 would create a civil cause of action allowing people to sue others for failing to provide aid in certain circumstances. Currently, Minnesota law generally does not require bystanders to render assistance to those in danger (the "duty to rescue" is not legally mandated). This bill would change that framework by establishing specific conditions under which failure to help could result in civil liability.

Why is this important

This addresses a significant legal gap: under current common law, a person can legally stand by and watch someone drown or suffer injury without legal consequence. The bill would potentially incentivize bystander intervention in emergencies and create accountability mechanisms for those who could help but choose not to. However, it also raises questions about who bears responsibility for public safety and emergency response.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: What constitutes "certain circumstances"? The bill title doesn't specify which situations trigger the duty—emergency medical situations only, or broader scenarios? This vagueness could lead to extensive litigation over borderline cases.
  • Burden on ordinary citizens: Imposing legal duties on civilians to render aid could expose people without medical training to liability, potentially discouraging well-intentioned but inadequate help efforts.
  • Relationship to emergency services: Whether this applies differently based on whether 911 was called, whether the person is trained (nurse, off-duty officer), or the nature of the relationship between parties remains unclear.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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