HB 5580
Relating to liability of the local emergency telephone systems.
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill changes West Virginia’s laws regarding liability for local emergency telephone systems. It aims to provide immunity for these systems when referring people to the national 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. Specifically, the bill removes gross negligence from the existing immunity protections, while adding immunity for referrals to the 988 hotline. This change is intended to protect local systems from lawsuits related to these referrals.
Key provisions
- Provides immunity to local emergency telephone systems.
- Specifically protects referrals to the national 988 hotline.
- Removes gross negligence from the existing immunity protections.
- Defines ‘National crisis hotline’ as the 988 number and its successor.
- Applies to public agencies, telephone companies, and counties operating emergency telephone systems.
Who is affected
- Local emergency telephone systems
- Telephone companies participating in emergency systems
- Counties with enhanced emergency telephone systems
- Public agencies operating emergency systems
- Officers, agents, and employees of the above entities
Notable changes
- Adds immunity protection for referrals to the 988 hotline.
- Clarifies the definition of the ‘National crisis hotline’ to include the 988 number.
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