Governor Ducey has signed a bill that provides lawsuit protections for people who break into cars to rescue children or pets.
The House approved House Bill 2494 by Republican Sen. John Kavanagh on a 35-20 vote Wednesday. Kavanagh revived it after it failed to get a House committee hearing. The Senate approved it for a second time on a 20-7 vote in April.
Proud to sign #HB2494 and protect Good Samaritans who take action to save a life. Thanks Senator Kavanagh for leading on this vital issue.
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) May 11, 2017
Ducey mentioned the proposal in January's state of the state address and said he would sign the bill if it hits his desk.
“A few minutes is all it takes for a child or pet left in a hot car to die of heat stroke,” said Governor Ducey. “That’s a scenario we never want to see happen. With this bill, we are protecting Good Samaritans who take action to save a child or pet and sending a signal that breaking a car window should be the last consideration when someone’s life is on the line. I thank Senator Kavanagh for leading on this important legislation.”
Republican Rep. Eddie Farnsworth said the bill is unneeded because of good Samaritan laws already in place and it wrongly raises animals to the level and rights of children.
The bill says that anyone who goes into an unattended vehicle to remove a child or animal would be protected from civil liability if it's believed the child or pet is in danger of injury or death.
