FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1388

                                  C 223 L 89

BYHouse Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Cooper, D. Sommers, R. Fisher, Prince, Walk, Schmidt, Patrick, Heavey, Crane, R. Meyers, Day and Moyer)

Limiting the application of the good samaritan statute.

House Committe on State Government

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In 1975, the Legislature enacted what is commonly called the Good Samaritan Law.  The law generally provides that persons providing emergency care or transportation without compensation are not liable for damages caused by negligent provision of such care or transportation, so long as they are not grossly negligent.

The protection of the Good Samaritan Law is not available to persons who provide emergency aid during the course of regular employment.

SUMMARY:

The protection of the Good Samaritan Law is extended to transit operators: (a) who provide emergency care or transportation during the course of their work, (b) who are paid for that work, and (c) whose regular work does not routinely include providing emergency care or transportation.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 95   0

      Senate    45     0 (Senate amended)

      House 97   0 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989