Washington state expands 'good Samaritan' law to protect volunteers in emergencies, disasters
Washington state has expanded its “good Samaritan” law to protect volunteers who help others during emergencies or natural disasters.
HB Bill 1209, sponsored by Rep. Dan Bronoske, D-Lakewood, passed both chambers of the Legislature this session with unanimous bipartisan support.
Gov. Jay Inslee signed it into law on April 16. It will take effect on July 25.
The law states that a volunteer won’t be liable for civil damages while providing nonmedical care at the scene of an emergency or disaster unless the act rises to the level of “gross negligence” or “willful or wanton misconduct.”
Previously the good Samaritan law only covered medical response. The Seattle Emergency Communications Hubs began pushing for the expansion last year, as volunteers became concerned about the limitation.
Read more: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/may/14/washington-state-expands-good-samaritan-law-to-pro/
(Spokane Spokesman-Review)
