Committee advances bill allowing officers and citizens to rescue pets from hot cars; creates House Draft 1

The House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems on March 14 voted to pass SB 1022 SD2 and to direct staff to prepare a House Draft 1. The measure would allow law enforcement officers, animal control officers, and firefighters to enter an unattended vehicle to protect the health, safety, or well‑being of a pet animal endangered by being left or confined in a vehicle. It also permits private citizens to rescue an endangered pet under certain circumstances.

The Hawaii Police Department provided opposition testimony via Zoom but was not present for oral remarks; several animal‑welfare organizations, including the Animal Legal Defense Fund, submitted written testimony in support. The committee adopted the chair's recommendation to pass with amendments and to make technical edits for clarity, consistency and style. The chair recorded the vote as passed with amendments and closed the decision‑making session.

No implementation details or specific immunity provisions were finalized in committee on March 14; the committee directed staff to prepare a House Draft 1 that will reflect technical amendments.