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NY A04968
Bill
Status
2/10/2025
Primary Sponsor
Eric Brown
Click for details
AI Summary
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Expands the definition of "good samaritan" to include persons who believe "reasonable intervention is necessary" to apprehend criminals, prevent crimes, or aid law enforcement, and protects them from liability if acting in good faith to prevent imminent harm even if the situation escalates
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Authorizes individuals to use physical force when they reasonably believe it necessary to maintain order, and permits deadly physical force only when reasonably believed necessary to prevent death or serious physical injury
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Provides civil immunity for persons who voluntarily provide assistance and reasonable intervention in emergencies, shielding them from liability for damages unless injuries were caused by gross negligence (defined as reckless, willful, wanton, or intentional misconduct)
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Named the "Penny for a hero good samaritan protection act," inspired by Daniel Penny's intervention in a subway incident, and requires the Office of Crime Victims to conduct public service announcements and community training programs on good samaritan protections
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Appropriates $500,000 to the Department of Mental Hygiene for mental health crisis response protocols, including training for first responders, law enforcement, and subway personnel on handling emergencies without excessive force
Legislative Description
Relates to being a good samaritan; adds "reasonable intervention" as a reason to be protected from liability; provides that a person may use physical force when and to the extent that such person reasonably believes that reasonable intervention is necessary to maintain order, but may use deadly physical force only when such person reasonably believes that reasonable intervention is necessary to prevent death or serious physical injury; appropriates $500,000 for public service announcements and community-based training programs aimed at educating people about the legal protections and responsibilities of being a good samaritan.
Last Action
referred to governmental operations
1/7/2026