Jim Rosica
A bill that would protect those who break into cars to rescue children, pets, or the elderly or disabled cleared its first committee on Tuesday.
The bill (SB 131) was OK’d by the House Civil Justice Subcommittee by a vote of 13-0.
The legislation as originally filed by House Republican Leader Dana Young of Tampa would have expanded Florida’s “Good Samaritan Act” that would make a bona fide do-gooder immune from being sued for damages.
The current law in Florida covers people, including doctors, who “render emergency care or treatment” in an emergency situation “without objection of the injured victim.”
Young told FloridaPolitics.com that legislative staff recommended making the changes a separate part of state law, aiming to cover any “vulnerable person or domestic animal.”
“This bill is intended to empower a bystander to act,” she said.
The idea is the same: To encourage people to save people and pets at risk, usually those locked in hot vehicles.
The elements of the proposed law remain the same. A would-be rescuer must:
- First make sure the vehicle is locked and then call 911.
- Believe that the person or animal inside is “in imminent danger of suffering harm.”
- Use “no more force to enter the vehicle … than necessary,” usually smashing a window.
State Rep. Mike Hill, a Pensacola Beach Republican, was concerned about someone with a dog in a car getting their window smashed when they ran into a store for a few minutes to buy a gallon of milk.
“Are there going to be people who are overzealous? Maybe,” Young said. But she added that was a risk she was willing to take.
State Rep. Cary Pigman, an Avon Park Republican and physician, also asked for language to be added to cover those “temporarily disabled” by substance abuse.
The bill next heads to the Judiciary Committee before being considered by the full House.
