Idaho Law Grants Immunity to Volunteer Church Security Teams

Idaho’s House Bill 601 grants civil immunity to volunteer security personnel serving in religious organizations. While this law applies in Idaho, it signals a growing trend of states recognizing the unique role church security teams play.

What happened

Idaho passed legislation specifically protecting volunteer security team members from personal civil liability when they respond to threats or acts of violence at a religious organization. The law also extends protection to the ministries that oversee these volunteers.

Why Georgia churches should pay attention

Georgia does not currently have an equivalent statute. That means volunteer security team members at your church could face personal liability if an incident occurs. This is one reason why the insurance coverage behind your security program matters — and why most standard church policies fall short.

What to do about it

Review your church’s security team coverage with your insurance advisor. Specifically, ask whether your policy includes coverage for armed and unarmed volunteer security personnel. Brotherhood Mutual is one of the few carriers that offers specific security team liability coverage. If your current policy doesn’t address this, request a coverage review.