Senator Saland’s Unattended Child Legislation Passes the Senate

Senator Steve Saland (R, I, C – Poughkeepsie) today announced that the Senate has passed his legislation to prohibit a child under the age of eight from being left unattended in a motor vehicle when conditions present a significant risk to the health and safety of the child (S.2192A).

Senate bill S.2192A provides that a person responsible for the welfare of a child under the age of eight, who leaves that child inside a motor vehicle without the supervision of a person who is at least twelve years of age, under conditions which knowingly and recklessly present a significant risk to the health and safety of the child will be guilty of an infraction.

In addition, this bill provides for increased fines for persons convicted of multiple violations.

“We have all heard of tragic cases where a young child was left unattended in a car that became so hot that a child needed medical attention,” said Senator Saland. “Parents and guardians who knowingly or recklessly place children at significant risk by leaving them in a car for a period of time which compromises their health and safety should know that such acts will result in a violation of the law.”

This bill will now be sent to the Assembly for consideration.