Bill > H1296

This bill establishes new penalties for individuals working for child transportation companies who wantonly or recklessly leave a child under 12 years old unattended in a vehicle that is stopped. A "child transportation company" is defined as any business that transports minors in a "child transportation vehicle," which includes vehicles like school buses used to transport students without parental supervision. "Wantonly or recklessly" means being aware of and consciously disregarding a significant and unjustified risk of serious bodily injury to a child, which is defined as an injury causing permanent disfigurement, loss of bodily function, or a substantial risk of death. If such an act results in serious bodily injury to the child, the offender could face up to 2.5 years in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. If the child dies as a result of being left unattended under these circumstances, the offender could face up to 20 years in state prison, in addition to a jail sentence and fine.