Providing an exemption from civil liability for forcibly entering a vehicle under certain circumstances

What it does

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill exempts a person from civil liability for any property damage or personal injury he or she causes by forcibly entering a vehicle under certain circumstances. Under the bill, a person is immune from liability if he or she used force in order to remove from a vehicle a person or a domestic animal that the actor reasonably believed was suffering or would suffer imminent bodily harm if the actor did not forcibly enter the vehicle.

Under the bill, in order to receive civil immunity for his or her act, the actor must determine that there is no way to enter the vehicle without force, may use only the force necessary to remove the person or animal from the vehicle, must dial "911" or otherwise summon emergency or law enforcement assistance before or shortly after the forcible entry, must leave his or her name and contact information at the scene, and must remain with the person or animal until a law enforcement officer or other first responder arrives.

Who's behind it

20 lawmakers are its authors⁠. 15 are Democrats and 5 are Republicans.

6 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment Histories
• LC Amendment Memo