Senator Tucker supports Good Samaritan protection for We Are The 22 veterans group

The Arkansas Judiciary Committee meeting on January 25, 2023, focused on a proposed bill aimed at providing Good Samaritan protections for individuals who assist veterans in crisis situations. The bill, co-sponsored by Senator Tucker and another senator, seeks to ensure that those who act in good faith to help others are not held civilly liable for their actions.

During the meeting, Sam Sellers, the executive director of the organization We Are The 22, shared his personal connection to the issue. Sellers, a veteran himself, recounted his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan and the tragic loss of two of his comrades to suicide shortly after returning home. He emphasized the importance of the organization’s mission, which involves dispatching veteran teams to assist those in suicidal crises.

Sellers explained that their teams respond to calls from friends or family members of veterans in distress, providing immediate support without judgment. He highlighted the challenges faced by his organization in obtaining insurance coverage for their responders, who often worry about potential legal repercussions when helping veterans in crisis. The proposed legislation aims to alleviate these concerns, allowing responders to focus on their mission without fear of legal liability.

The discussion underscored the critical need for support systems for veterans and the importance of ensuring that those who step in to help are protected. The committee's consideration of this bill reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by veterans and the organizations dedicated to their well-being. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the bill's provisions and its potential impact on veteran support initiatives in Arkansas.