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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | July 27, 2015 03:23 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Karen Boback |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Hot Car Immunity - Children and Pets |
| Very soon, I will be introducing legislation to help the community protect children and pets that may be in danger. The bill provides civil immunity for any damage that may be done to the vehicle when forceful entry is necessary to rescue a child or an animal. All too often, we hear news reports involving young children being left in a hot car – sometimes with tragic results. According to the nonprofit organization KidsAndCars.org, on average, 38 children die heat-related deaths each year as a result of being trapped inside motor vehicles. Even the best of parents or caregivers can unknowingly leave a sleeping baby in a car. And even good pet owners can misjudge the temperature or be detained longer than expected. My bill will encourage passers-by to take a second look, contact law enforcement, and step in to help when necessary. The immunity only applies when the person is acting reasonably under the circumstances: He or she must have a good faith belief that the child or animal is in imminent danger of suffering harm, and must have determined that the vehicle is locked and there is otherwise no reasonable method for the child or animal to be removed. Also, prior to forcibly entering the vehicle, the person must have contacted or attempted to contact law enforcement. I have heard so many people describe situations they’ve observed involving other peoples’ children or dogs that made them uncomfortable, but they always end up explaining that they “didn’t want to get involved” or “didn’t know what to do.” Far more than the cost of a new car window, this bill is about educating people and providing a level of comfort that enables them to step in when appropriate. I hope you will join me in sponsoring this legislation - it could save a life. |
Memo Updated: July 27, 2015 03:24 PM