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House approves expansion to Good Samaritan protections after sponsor testimony
Summary
After sponsor remarks and a member’s personal account of preventing a suicide, the Idaho House approved House Bill 4-91 (Good Samaritan expansion) by a recorded vote of 67-0 with 3 absent; the bill will be transferred to the Senate.
The Idaho House approved House Bill 4-91 on Jan. 26, 2026, a bill described by its sponsor as expanding Good Samaritan protections to encourage everyday citizens to intervene in mental-health crisis situations.
The sponsor said the measure would add protections similar to existing "mental first aid" provisions for those who attempt to help someone in crisis, while explicitly not shielding trained professionals from accountability for negligence. The sponsor said the intent is to protect "everyday citizens" who step in and to encourage intervention; the sponsor also emphasized ongoing training efforts across the state.
A separate lawmaker recounted a local rescue in the Magic Valley in which a pastor’s wife without formal training prevented a suicide at a bridge, urging support for the bill. Following debate, the clerk recorded the vote with 67 voting yes and 3 absent; the presiding officer announced the bill passed and ordered it transferred to the Senate.
The sponsor asked that the bill not provide immunity for professionals and said attorneys could still pursue cases involving serious negligence. The transcript does not include the bill text or the bill’s effective date; the chair announced no correction of title and that the bill would be transmitted to the Senate for further action.
