COLUMBUS – The Ohio Senate has approved a bill that would protect people who break into a vehicle to rescue a child or pet from a potentially dangerous situation from being sued.
The measure, co-sponsored by Republican Senators Jim Hughes of Columbus and Frank LaRose of Copley grants civil immunity to anyone who forcibly removes a child or pet from a locked vehicle if there is imminent danger from excessive temperatures, according to a release from Hughes’ office.
The person must first contact 9-1-1 and the vehicle must be locked with no other reasonable method for the child or animal to get out.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says temperatures in the 60’s can cause a car temperature to rise well above 110 degrees.
The non-profit group Kids and Cars notes that 600 children have died in hot vehicles since 1990.
If the bill is approved by the House and signed by Gov. John Kasich, Ohio would be the 15th state to enact similar provisions.
Senate Bill 215 will now be sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration.