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Senate advances bill creating misdemeanor for leaving child unattended in vehicle; lawmakers debate time limits and sentencing overlap
Summary
Senate Bill 124 would create a distinct misdemeanor for leaving a child under age 9 unattended in a motor vehicle when conditions pose a risk. Sponsors said the bill clarifies prosecution options; colleagues raised concerns about no fixed time limit, subjective 'present risk' language, and potential conflicts with lesser‑included‑offense rules. The bill was advanced to third reading (20‑4‑5).
Senators debated Senate Bill 124, a measure to create a separate offense for leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle when conditions present a risk to the child's health or safety. Sponsor Senator McAdams said the bill addresses situations where caregivers choose to leave children in vehicles while running errands and that the new offense focuses on the risk posed rather than requiring proof of actual harm.
Senator Hilliard raised a procedural concern and asked why…
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