Are You a Good Samaritan?

Legislation designed to encourage Good Samaritan acts has cleared the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

"People need to know they are fully protected if they try to rescue another person during an emergency or crime," said sponsor Christopher "Kip" Bateman.  "They should not pay for risking their lives and health to try to save others."

Under the bill, people eligible for immunity under New Jersey's "Good Samaritan Act" would not have to pay the cost of ambulance services as a result of their own injuries while rendering or attempting to render good faith emergency care.  The legislation also provides civil immunity to any person, including a health care professional or rescue volunteer, who  renders care in good faith during an emergency.

"Nothing should hold back people from trying to save a life," said Bateman.  "We owe that to each other."