Good Samaritan law heading to governor's desk

The Good Samaritan bill Florida Gov. Rick Scott wanted passed the Legislature and is headed to his desk to sign.

The "Postdisaster Relief Assistance Act," SB 450, provides that any person who offers temporary housing, food, water or electricity to an emergency first-responder or immediate family members of an emergency first-responder may not be held liable for any civil damages as a result of providing the temporary housing, food, water or electricity, according to a staff analysis.

The Senate passed the measure 38-0 on May 3, 2011, and the House followed suit 118-0 on May 4.

The liability waiver -- which is broader than Scott envisioned in that it expands beyond business owners -- comes with a few caveats.

It would not apply to a person who acts in a manner that demonstrates reckless disregard for the consequences of another. It would last only for six months after the declaration of an emergency by the governor, and it would not apply if the act or aid is unrelated to the original declared emergency.

Still, this is a Promise Kept.