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A 571

Establishes the bystander protection act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Karl Brabenec and 6 co-sponsors

The Bystander Protection Act grants legal immunity to individuals who assist in emergencies, encouraging community support and timely help for those in danger.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 571

Summary of Bill A 571: Bystander Protection Act

Bill Number: A 571
Title: Establishes the Bystander Protection Act
Status: Referred to Codes
Introduced: January 08, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The Bystander Protection Act (A 571) aims to establish legal protections for individuals who intervene in emergency situations to assist others. The bill seeks to encourage bystanders to take action during emergencies without fear of legal repercussions, thereby promoting a culture of assistance and community support.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  • Legal Immunity: Individuals who provide assistance to a person in danger will be granted immunity from civil liability, provided their actions are reasonable and intended to help.
  • Definition of Emergency Situations: The bill outlines what constitutes an emergency, including but not limited to medical emergencies, acts of violence, and other life-threatening situations.
  • Training and Awareness: The bill encourages local governments to implement training programs that educate citizens on how to respond effectively in emergencies and the legal protections available to them.
  • Reporting Requirements: Bystanders who intervene may be required to report the incident to local authorities, ensuring that emergency services are aware of the situation.

Who Would Be Affected

The Bystander Protection Act would primarily affect:

  • Bystanders: Individuals who witness emergencies and may wish to intervene.
  • Emergency Responders: Local law enforcement and emergency medical services who may benefit from increased community support during crises.
  • Victims of Emergencies: Individuals in need of assistance during emergencies, who may receive timely help from bystanders.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on January 08, 2025, and has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to several prior-session bills (A 1444, A 6151, A 7242, A 8441, A 902, A 3255, A 2348) and has a companion bill in the Senate (S 1132), indicating ongoing legislative interest in bystander protections.

Conclusion

The Bystander Protection Act (A 571) represents a significant step toward encouraging community involvement in emergency situations by providing legal protections for those who choose to help. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be important to monitor discussions and amendments that may arise in the Codes Committee and beyond.

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

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