AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB48

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB48

Introduced
1/11/23  
Refer
1/11/23  
Report Pass
1/25/23  
Engrossed
1/26/23  
Refer
1/26/23  
Report Pass
2/2/23  
Enrolled
2/7/23  
Chaptered
2/14/23  

Caption

To Amend The "good Samaritan" Law To Include To Certain Persons And Nonprofit Organization Who Provide Suicide Prevention Interventions.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would have a significant impact on state law by clarifying and expanding the legal landscape surrounding voluntary emergency assistance. By explicitly including suicide prevention interventions within the framework of the Good Samaritan law, the bill could encourage more individuals and organizations to partake in lifesaving actions without the fear of legal repercussions. This change may be particularly beneficial in situations where timely interventions can drastically improve outcomes for individuals at risk.

Summary

Senate Bill 48 aims to amend Arkansas's existing 'Good Samaritan' law by extending legal protections to individuals and nonprofit organizations that provide suicide prevention interventions. Under the current law, individuals who render emergency care during incidents do not face civil liability as long as their actions are performed in good faith and without gross negligence. The proposed amendments specifically include protections for those intervening in suicide situations, recognizing the importance of immediate assistance in potentially life-threatening scenarios.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB48 appears to be largely positive, especially among mental health advocates and nonprofit organizations. Proponents argue that the bill fills a crucial gap in the law by protecting those who step forward to help in suicide crisis situations. It emphasizes community safety and mental health support, resonating well within public discourse that increasingly values mental health awareness and intervention. However, there may still be voices of concern regarding how broadly the term 'suicide prevention interventions' is defined, as it could lead to varying interpretations and potential misuse.

Contention

Notable points of contention could arise around the definitions and the scope of how 'suicide prevention interventions' are classified and who qualifies for protection under this bill. Some skeptics might argue that the additional guidelines could lead to complications or unintended consequences regarding the application of the law. Furthermore, as with many legislative initiatives focused on mental health, there could be debates about resource allocation and the sufficiency of support systems needed to adequately back the increased intervention efforts that this bill aims to promote.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HR1050

To Raise Awareness And Take Action Against Veteran Suicide; To Support State Capitol Day; And To Promote Use Of The 988 Suicide And Crisis Lifeline.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1025

An Act For The Department Of Health - Tobacco Prevention And Cessation Programs Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SR2

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR HR1011

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR HB1097

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB80

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1010

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law, To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR SR1

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law, To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR SB77

To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.