Ricketts signs bill giving protections to ‘good Samaritans’

Governor Pete Ricketts announced Friday he has signed a bill into law that provides legal protections to "good Samaritans." 

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Governor Pete Ricketts announced Friday he has signed a bill into law that provides legal protections to “good Samaritans.”

The bill, introduced by Brainard Senator Bruce Bostelman, provides immunity from civil liability to someone who forcibly enters a locked vehicle to rescue an endangered child.

“When Nebraskans see a child stranded in a hot car, we want them to take action,” Ricketts said in a news release. “Senator Bostelman’s bill protects Good Samaritans who do what’s needed to rescue a child in danger.”

Bostelman said in a statement “it’s heartbreaking” whenever a child dies as a result of being trapped in a hot vehicle.