Rhode Island Legislators Approves Bill To Protect Kids Left In Cars

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island legislators approved a bill to protect children left alone in cars.

The proposed law would restore 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, according to a media release.

The bill was sponsored sponsored by state Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis, D-Coventry and West Greenwich, and state Rep. Matthew S. Dawson, D-East Providence.

“Leaving children unattended in a car can have serious consequences for the health and safety of the children," Raptakis said in the release.

"There is a serious danger of abduction and an even greater danger from excessive temperatures inside a car," Raptakis said.

"Now, there are varying degrees in the severity of leaving a child alone in a car, and this bill allows law enforcement to determine if a warning will suffice, or if charges against the parent or guardian are warranted," he said. "Animals are protected from being left unattended in a car with extreme temperatures. It’s time we give our children the same protection. It’s time we protect our children."

“As a former prosecutor, I have witnessed some truly tragic scenes where children were left unattended in a vehicle," Dawson said in the release.

"In the most extreme circumstances when a child is injured or worse, charges are always warranted," Dawson said. "But there are cases where a warning from law enforcement should suffice with the hope that future emergencies will be prevented."

The bill now heads to Gov. Dan McKee for his consideration.

See also:

• Providence Man Charged With Massachusetts Stabbing Captured: Cops
• Lincoln Police Searching For Man In Connection With Theft From Vehicle
• Providence Man Charged With Transporting Unstamped Cigarettes: Cops