May. 09, 2019
HARRISBURG - The state Senate has unanimously passed legislation authored by state Rep. Karen Boback (R-Luzerne/Lackawanna/Wyoming) that would provide civil immunity for damages resulting from forcibly entering a motor vehicle to rescue an individual.
House Bill 279 awaits Gov. Tom Wolf’s signature into law.
“While it isn’t a problem exclusive to children, loss of life in the overheated interior of a vehicle claims the life of nearly 40 children each year,” Boback said. “I appreciate my colleagues in the General Assembly for moving the bill through the legislative process and to the governor’s desk without a single vote of opposition.”
If Boback’s bill becomes law, such immunity would be granted based on several criteria, including a belief that the individual is in imminent danger of suffering harm and is unable to exit the motor vehicle without assistance. A reasonable attempt to locate the driver and contact law enforcement or an emergency responder must also be made prior to entry.
“Similar legislation for rescuing pets became law last session following unanimous passage in both the House and Senate, and now we are taking the next logical, commonsense step,” added Boback.
The legislation would become law 60 days after being signed by the governor.
Questions about this or any legislative issues may be directed to Boback’s Dallas office at 570-675-6000 or her Tunkhannock office at 570-836-4777.
Representative Karen Boback
117th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com
RepBoback.com