To remove civil liability barriers that discourage the donation of fire equipment to volunteer fire companies.
Committees
House Judiciary
Bill Summary
Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act of 2004 - States that a person (including a governmental or other entity) who donates fire control or fire rescue equipment to a volunteer fire company shall not be liable for State or Federal civil damages for personal injuries, property damage or loss, or death proximately caused by the equipment after the donation. Waives such liability protection if: (1) the person's act or omission causing the injury, damage, loss, or death constitutes gross negligence or intentional misconduct; or (2) the person is the manufacturer of such equipment. Preempts State law that is inconsistent with this Act, except where such law provides additional liability protection. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a State-by-State review of such donations during the five years before this Act's enactment; and (2) report the results to Congress, including an assessment for each State of the most effective way to fund firefighter companies, whether first responder funding is sufficient to respond to the Nation's needs, and the best method to ensure that donated equipment is in usable condition.
To remove civil liability barriers that discourage the donation of fire equipment to volunteer fire companies.
Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act of 2004 - States that a person (including a governmental or other entity) who donates fire control or fire rescue equipment to a volunteer fire company shall not be liable for State or Federal civil damages for personal injuries, property damage or loss, or death proximately caused by the equipment after the donation. Waives such liability protection if: (1) the person's act or omission causing the injury, damage, loss, or death constitutes gross negligence or intentional misconduct; or (2) the person is the manufacturer of such equipment. Preempts State law that is inconsistent with this Act, except where such law provides additional liability protection. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) conduct a State-by-State review of such donations during the five years before this Act's enactment; and (2) report the results to Congress, including an assessment for each State of the most effective way to fund firefighter companies, whether first responder funding is sufficient to respond to the Nation's needs, and the best method to ensure that donated equipment is in usable condition.