CS/CS/HB 131 Summary

• Creates section 768.139 of Florida Statutes providing civil liability immunity for persons who forcibly enter a motor vehicle to rescue a vulnerable person or domestic animal.

• Defines "domestic animal" as dogs, cats, or other domesticated household pets, excluding livestock and farm animals; "vulnerable person" uses the definition from section 435.02.

• Immunity requires that the vehicle is locked or has no reasonable exit method, the rescuer has good faith belief the person or animal is in imminent danger, law enforcement or 911 is notified before or immediately after entry, only necessary force is used, and the rescuer remains with the rescued person or animal in a safe location until first responders arrive.

• Does not limit or expand any immunity provided under section 768.13 for care or treatment of the rescued vulnerable person or domestic animal.

• Effective upon becoming law.