Rep. Ken Borton on Thursday announced his support for a bipartisan plan to help people save lives by preventing blood loss. The legislation would provide liability protections for people trying to stop bleeding wounds and ensure high school students learn bleeding control techniques.

“Expanding the Good Samaritan Law and high school curriculums to include bleeding control equips Michiganders with the tools they need to act swiftly and confidently in emergencies,” said Borton, R-Gaylord. “This initiative embodies our shared commitment to safety. It’s about preparedness, and it’s about taking care of each other.”

House Bills 5742 and 5743 would add bleeding control to the state’s Good Samaritan Law, which protects individuals from legal liability for attempting to save lives in certain emergencies. The law currently applies to the administration of an opioid antagonist, CPR, and other emergency response situations. A person would still be liable for acts and omissions that amount to gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct.

House Bill 5741 would require high school health courses to include instruction and hands-on training on how to stop bleeding using tourniquets, bandages, and other equipment in first-aid response kits. Under the Michigan Merit Curriculum, students must complete a half-credit in health to graduate high school.

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