Bill Would Crack Down On Leaving Kids Alone In Car

A new bill would make it illegal to leave a child alone in a car, even for just for a moment.

Current Florida law says you can leave a child (anyone under the age of 6) alone in a car for up to 15. 

Under the new bill, parents could be charged with a misdemeanor if they leave their child alone for any length of time. If passed, parents could face a second-degree misdemeanor. 

The proposed bill would not only give police officers the right to remove your child if they are left behind for just a few minutes. Officers could turn them over to the Department of Children and Families if they can't find the parents.  

Officials with Safe Kids Northeast Florida said in a 10 minute time frame, the inside of your car can rise 20 degrees on a 72 degree day. 

The bill also calls for a third-degree felony if the child is badly hurt. If this were to pass, it would take effect this October. 


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