Texas Bill Would Grant Liability Protection for Emergency Volunteers

A Texas state representative has filed a bill that would allow fire departments to accept volunteer assistance during an emergency and would protect shield those volunteers from liability. State Representative Cecil Bell, Jr. (Magnolia) filed, House Bill 487, would increase the flexibility of fire departments and emergency personnel to utilize volunteers, heavy equipment, and other resources during hazardous or dangerous situations, such as wildfires. In exchange for their services, volunteers are explicitly granted liability protection under Chapter 79 of the Civil Practices and Remedies Code.