Washington SB5237 amends laws on leaving children unattended in vehicles, increasing penalties and funding awareness.

Washington SB5237 amends existing laws to increase penalties for leaving children unattended in vehicles. It makes it a gross misdemeanor to leave a child under 12 unattended in a vehicle while entering a premises selling alcohol. Leaving a child under 9 unattended in a vehicle is now a misdemeanor. The bill also appropriates $100,000 for the Department of Health to promote awareness of these dangers.

Washington SB5237 amends laws on leaving children unattended in vehicles, increasing penalties and funding awareness.

Washington SB5237 amends existing laws to increase penalties for leaving children unattended in vehicles. It makes it a gross misdemeanor to leave a child under 12 unattended in a vehicle while entering a premises selling alcohol. Leaving a child under 9 unattended in a vehicle is now a misdemeanor. The bill also appropriates $100,000 for the Department of Health to promote awareness of these dangers.