Missouri House Bill HB1373

Missouri 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 5/12/23

Caption

Establishes provisions limiting liability for an individual who is a member of a volunteer safety group or for a church, synagogue, or other place of religious worship

Impact

The impact of HB 1373 is anticipated to provide a legal cushion for volunteers, particularly in religious organizations, when they participate in safety-related activities. This could lead to an increase in volunteerism in safety roles at community events, church functions, and other gatherings by addressing concerns about personal liability. Additionally, the bill could influence how organizations structure their volunteer programs, as they would be more inclined to recruit individuals knowing that there are protections in place against lawsuits derived from their voluntary actions.

Summary

House Bill 1373 establishes provisions aimed at limiting the liability for individuals who are members of volunteer safety groups, as well as for churches, synagogues, or other places of religious worship. The bill appears to be designed to encourage community involvement in safety initiatives by providing legal protections to those who participate as volunteers. By reducing the fear of potential lawsuits, the bill seeks to promote engagement in volunteer safety efforts, possibly enhancing public safety overall.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears generally positive among those who advocate for increased volunteerism and community safety initiatives. Many support the bill for its potential to foster a culture of volunteering by alleviating fears associated with personal liability. However, there may be concerns regarding the protection of certain rights or accountability mechanisms, particularly among those who worry that liability limits could lead to negligence or less caution in safety practices.

Contention

Notable points of contention include fears that by limiting liability, the bill could inadvertently enable irresponsibility or a lack of oversight in voluntary safety roles. Critics might argue that while promoting volunteerism is beneficial, it should not come at the expense of safety and accountability standards. The discussions surrounding the bill are likely to touch on the balance between encouraging community engagement and ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to uphold safety and responsibility.