2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104658D

HOUSE BILL NO. 273

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 9, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 8.01-225.04, relating to law-enforcement officers; duty to render aid upon danger to life or limb; civil immunity.

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Patrons—Helmer, Callsen, Hernandez and Hope

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Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 8.01-225.04 as follows:

§ 8.01-225.04. Duty of law-enforcement officer to render aid upon danger to life or limb; immunity from civil liability.

A. Any law-enforcement officer, as defined in § 9.1-101, while engaged in the performance of his duties, shall have a duty to render aid to any person that such law-enforcement officer observes suffering from a serious bodily injury or life-threatening condition, as circumstances objectively permit and provided that such law-enforcement officer determines such aid may be rendered without endangering himself, the person, or others.

B. In the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct, a law-enforcement officer who renders aid pursuant to this section shall be immune from civil liability for any acts or omissions resulting from the rendering of such aid.

2. That the Department of Criminal Justice Services shall adopt regulations establishing minimum standards to provide law-enforcement officers, as that term is defined in § 9.1-101 of the Code of Virginia, with basic medical training, including emergency first aid training.