It would be illegal to leave children age 6 or younger unattended in cars for any length of time, under a measure filed Thursday by Democratic state Rep. Emily Slosberg of Boca Raton.
The proposal (HB 115), filed for consideration during the 2018 Legislative Session, would be stricter than current law.
Adults currently can’t leave children in vehicles for more than 15 minutes or for any period of time if the motor is running, the health of a child is in danger or a child appears to be in distress.
Under Slosberg’s proposal, violations would be punishable by a second-degree misdemeanor charge, which carries a penalty of up to $500 and 60 days jail.
Violating current law is considered a noncriminal traffic infraction that carries a fine between $50 and $500. Felony charges are already in place if a child is harmed.
Republished with permission of the News Service of Florida.
