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- Referred to transportation
- Referred to rules
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Prohibits leaving a child under the age of seven unattended in a motor vehicle
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor William Magnarelli
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to prohibiting a child under the age of seven from being left unattended in a motor vehicle
Purpose
Provides that a person is guilty of leaving an unattended child in a motor vehicle is a child under the age of seven is left unsupervised in a motor vehicle when the conditions present a significant risk to the health and safety of the child.
Summary of provisions
Sections one and two adds a new Section 1210-a to the vehicle and traffic law to include leaving a child under the age of seven inside a motor vehicle without the supervision of a person age twelve or older, under conditions which knowingly or recklessly present a significant risk to the health and safety of such child. Section three sets the immediate effective date.
Justification
Between 1998 and 2004, 230 children have died of hyperthermia from being left in cars. In 2005, by mid-summer 19 deaths were recorded as a result of hyperthermia of children being left in cars. Studies indicate that in outside temperatures ranging from 72 and 96 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside of a vehicle rises approximately 19 degrees in the first ten minutes, 29 degrees after 20 minutes, 34 degrees after 30 minutes and 43 degrees after 60 minutes. Cracking the windows had little effect on the car's inside temperature.
In addition, there are other dangers created by leaving children unattended in motor vehicles, including an increased risk of abduction and the risk for an unintended motor vehicle accident if the child attempts to operate the vehicle. The dangers created by leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle can be severe, and it is therefore critically important that persons caring for young children are aware of the risk factors associated with leaving a child in a vehicle for even a short time. Parents or guardians who place children as risk by leaving them unattended in a vehicle should face legal penalties, and this bill would enact such penalties.
Legislative history
2007-2008: A.2922
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.