Bard’s Town Watcher Immunity Bill Signed Into Law

 HARRISBURG—Montgomery County lawmaker Rep. Ellen M. Bard’s (R-153) legislation providing civil immunity for town watch volunteers has been signed by the governor and will take effect at the end of August.

Specifically, Act 66 provides immunity from civil lawsuits for volunteers in town watch and anti-drug organizations who act in good faith and within the scope of the volunteer’s role.

"Without the fear of being sued for merely trying to protect their communities, more concerned citizens will be encouraged to participate in town watch groups," Bard said. "This act translates into safer communities."

Anti-drug or town watch volunteers will not be immune from civil liability if:

The conduct of the person falls substantially below the standards generally practiced and accepted in like circumstances by similar persons rendering such services.

It is shown that the person act or failed to do an act which the person was under a recognized duty to another to do, knowing or having reason to know that such act or omission created a substantial risk or actual harm to the person or property of another.