Restores law enforcement discretion to issue verbal warnings or pursue charges for leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle.

Rhode Island H8094 restores law enforcement discretion, allowing officers to issue a verbal warning when appropriate or pursue misdemeanor or felony charges in more egregious cases where a child is left unattended in a motor vehicle. The warning informs the offender of the dangers, including the risk of kidnapping, abduction, and excessive temperatures. No fine or sanction is imposed for a violation, and no record of the warning is maintained. This act takes effect upon passage.

Restores law enforcement discretion to issue verbal warnings or pursue charges for leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle.

Rhode Island H8094 restores law enforcement discretion, allowing officers to issue a verbal warning when appropriate or pursue misdemeanor or felony charges in more egregious cases where a child is left unattended in a motor vehicle. The warning informs the offender of the dangers, including the risk of kidnapping, abduction, and excessive temperatures. No fine or sanction is imposed for a violation, and no record of the warning is maintained. This act takes effect upon passage.