Bill > SB5237

This bill amends existing Washington state law regarding leaving children unattended in vehicles, expanding and clarifying the criminal penalties for such actions. Under the revised law, two distinct scenarios are now addressed: first, leaving children under 12 years old unattended in a parked automobile while entering a tavern or similar establishment serving alcohol remains a gross misdemeanor; second, a new provision specifically makes it a misdemeanor to leave a child under nine years old unattended in a parked vehicle. The bill also includes a $100,000 appropriation to the department of health for promoting public awareness about the dangers of leaving young children unattended in vehicles. The key changes include lowering the age threshold for the more serious offense from 12 to 9 years old and creating a specific misdemeanor charge for leaving young children alone in vehicles, which aims to protect children from potential harm such as temperature extremes, abduction, or accidental vehicle operation.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5237&Year=2025&Initiative=false