HomeMy WebLinkAbout85-31 - Senate Bill 885 - Assisstance at Scene of a Vessel AccidentRESOLUTION NO. 85 -31
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NEWPORT BEACH SUPPORTING SB 885 REGARDING
IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY FOR INJURIES RESULTING
FROM ASSISTANCE RENDERED AT THE SCENE OF A
VESSEL ACCIDENT
WHEREAS, under existing law, any person who gratuitously and
in good faith renders assistance at the scene of a vessel
accident, without objection by any person assisted, is not liable
for civil damages if the person has acted reasonably and
prudently; and
WHEREAS, public agencies are frequently called upon to
render assistance at the scene of a vessel accident and have been
sued for injuries sustained while rendering assistance even
though the public employees have acted in a reasonably prudent
manner; and
WHEREAS, SB 885 would extend to public agencies the same
protection currently afforded private persons who render
assistance at the scene of a vessel accident; and
WHEREAS, SB 885 results in fair and equitable treatment of
public agencies and employees who, but for this legislation,
could be subject to litigation when rendering the same form of
assistance as a private person who is immune from liability under
existing law; and
WHEREAS, SB 885 will encourage public entities and public
employees to render assistance to vessels and passengers in
distress rather than discourage assistance as is the case under
existing law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the
City of Newport Beach hereby supporting the passage of SB 885;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk be and hereby is
• authorized to forward copies of this resolution supporting the
proposed legislation to Senator Maddy and Assemblyman Seestrand
after same is adopted.
ADOPTED this 22nd day of A , 1985.
Mayor
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