U.S. House Passes Katrina Volunteer Protection Act of 2005

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. House of Representatives last week passed the Katrina Volunteer Protection Act of 2005. The bill, H.R. 3736, would protect volunteers who provide aid, medical treatment and rescue assistance from liability arising from injury and property damage. This would include charity flight organizations and their volunteers who have been conating aircraft and other assets, as well as flying relief missions. The Bill is an effort to encourage use of aircraft and other assets, rather than rejecting offers and donations because the degree of liability for using those assets is unclear under current law. After the House passed the Bill, it was sent to the Senate where it is currently awaiting consideration.