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HB 273

Law-enforcement officers; duty to render aid upon danger to life or limb, civil immunity.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Katrina Callsen and 3 co-sponsors

Virginia bill requires police officers to provide emergency aid to people in life-threatening danger and shields them from civil liability for good-faith assistance efforts.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0583)
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Bill Summary · HB 273

Legislative bill overview

HB 273 would require law enforcement officers to render aid to individuals in danger of death or serious bodily injury, and would provide civil immunity protections for officers who act in good faith while providing emergency assistance. The bill establishes an affirmative duty for police to intervene in life-threatening situations and shields them from civil liability for their emergency response actions.

Why is this important

This bill addresses a gap between public expectations and legal obligations—many assume police must help in emergencies, but courts have historically found no such duty exists. By codifying a duty to render aid and providing liability protection, the bill attempts to encourage officer intervention in critical situations while reducing legal risk that might otherwise deter help. This could affect both officer behavior during emergencies and litigation outcomes when assistance is provided.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "duty to render aid": Unclear whether this requires officers to perform CPR, rescue operations, or other specific actions, or simply requires presence and notification of medical personnel
  • "Good faith" standard for immunity: The definition of good faith conduct is vague and could lead to disputes over what qualifies for protection, potentially creating new litigation rather than reducing it
  • Interaction with qualified immunity: Unclear how this civil immunity standard interacts with existing qualified immunity doctrine, and whether it provides additional protection or simply clarifies existing law

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

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