Motor Vehicle Accident Liability Amendments

HB 289 amends Utah's Good Samaritan Law to clarify that people who provide emergency care at motor vehicle accident scenes are generally protected from civil lawsuits, unless they were grossly negligent or caused the accident. The bill specifically adds "motor vehicle accident" to the definition of "emergency" and includes new rules allowing individuals to enter locked vehicles to rescue children in immediate danger, provided they follow specific safety steps like contacting first responders first. It directly affects bystanders, good Samaritans, and first responders who assist at accident sites or help children trapped in vehicles. The changes aim to encourage voluntary assistance by reducing legal risks for those acting in good faith during emergencies.