CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE

TITLE 4. LIABILITY IN TORT

CHAPTER 79. LIABILITY OF PERSONS ASSISTING IN HAZARDOUS OR DANGEROUS SITUATIONS



Sec. 79.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(1) "Hazardous material" means:

(A) a substance classified as a hazardous material under state or federal law or under a rule adopted pursuant to state or federal law; or

(B) a chemical, petroleum product, gas, or other substance that, if discharged or released, is likely to create an imminent danger to individuals, property, or the environment.

(2) "Person" means an individual, association, corporation, or other private legal entity.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.



Sec. 79.002. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. (a) Except in a case of reckless conduct or intentional, wilful, or wanton misconduct, a person is immune from civil liability for an act or omission that occurs in giving care, assistance, or advice with respect to the management of an incident that:

(1) has already occurred;

(2) is related to the storage or transportation of a hazardous material; and

(3) endangers or threatens to endanger individuals, property, or the environment as a result of the spillage, seepage, or other release of a hazardous material or as a result of fire or explosion involving a hazardous material.

(b) This section does not apply to a person giving care, assistance, or advice for or in expectation of compensation from or on behalf of the recipient of the care, assistance, or advice in excess of reimbursement for expenses incurred.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 58, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.



Sec. 79.003. DISASTER ASSISTANCE. (a) Except in a case of reckless conduct or intentional, wilful, or wanton misconduct, a person is immune from civil liability for an act or omission that occurs in giving care, assistance, or advice with respect to the management of an incident:

(1) that is a man-made or natural disaster that endangers or threatens to endanger individuals, property, or the environment; and

(2) in which the care, assistance, or advice is provided at the request of an authorized representative of a local, state, or federal agency, including a fire department, police department, an emergency management agency, and a disaster response agency.

(b) This section does not apply to a person giving care, assistance, or advice for or in expectation of compensation from or on behalf of the recipient of the care, assistance, or advice in excess of reimbursement for expenses incurred.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 58, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.