The bill amends Chapter 92A of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to expand the scope of civil liability protections for individuals who remove vulnerable individuals or domestic animals from motor vehicles. The new legal language specifies that "domestic animal" includes pets like dogs and cats, while excluding livestock. Additionally, the definition of "motor vehicle" is clarified, and the term "vulnerable individual" is retained, referring to children under seven and individuals unable to protect themselves due to age or health conditions.

The bill establishes that a person who forcibly enters a motor vehicle to rescue a vulnerable individual or domestic animal is immune from civil liability, provided they meet certain conditions. These include ensuring the vehicle is locked or that the individual or animal cannot exit without help, having a reasonable belief that entry is necessary to prevent imminent harm, notifying law enforcement, using minimal force, and staying with the individual or animal until help arrives. However, immunity is not granted if the person was advised by law enforcement not to enter the vehicle. The changes apply only to causes of action that arise after the bill's effective date.

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Introduced: ()