Rhode IslandOfficers may warn people who leave young children in vehicles
Rhode Island officers may give a verbal warning when someone leaves a child under seven alone in a vehicle, and criminal prosecution may still apply if the conduct is a crime.
What it does
Officers may warn someone who leaves a child under seven unattended in a vehicle. The warning must explain dangers such as abduction and excessive heat.
Criminal prosecution may proceed under other laws when leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is a crime. Any penalties depend on those laws.
Argument forOfficers could give a warning when appropriate and criminal charges may still apply when leaving a child unattended is a crime.
Argument againstBecause officers may choose whether to warn, people who leave children unattended could receive different responses in similar situations.
More detail
Officers may give a verbal warning. This applies when an officer considers a person to have left a child under seven unattended in a motor vehicle. The warning must inform the person of dangers, including abduction and excessive heat. The act takes effect upon passage.
Criminal prosecution may proceed under other applicable laws. This applies when leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle constitutes a criminal offense. Criminal penalties depend on the applicable criminal law. The act takes effect upon passage.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 2306/23/2026 Signed by Governor Dan McKeeBecame Law
- Jun 1806/18/2026 Transmitted to GovernorTo Governor
- Jun 1106/11/2026 Senate passed in concurrencePassed Senate
- Jun 1006/10/2026 Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (06/11/2026)Minor
- Vote recorded PASSAGE. Result: pass.Lower
- Jun 1006/10/2026 House read and passedPassed House
- Jun 806/08/2026 Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)Minor
- Jun 806/08/2026 Committee recommends passageMinor
- Jun 606/06/2026 Scheduled for consideration (06/08/2026)
- Apr 2804/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further studyMinor
- Apr 2404/24/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/28/2026)
- Feb 2702/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House JudiciaryIntroduced
Public SafetyCriminal Justice