S.3135

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.

Complete·6/23/26
Introduced Text

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

Rhode Island S3135 amends the law to allow law enforcement officers to issue a verbal warning to individuals who leave a child under seven unattended in a motor vehicle. This act restores discretion to officers, permitting them to issue warnings in less severe cases or pursue misdemeanor or felony charges in more egregious situations. No fines or sanctions are imposed for a violation, and no record of the warning is maintained. This act takes effect upon passage.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

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7
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

69 Yea

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0 Nay

6 Not Voting

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Calendar

Jun 8

12:00 AM

House Judiciary Consideration

Jun 2

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Consideration

History

Jun 23

Senate

Signed by Governor

Jun 18

Senate

Transmitted to Governor

Jun 10

House

House passed in concurrence