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RI H8094
Bill
Status
2/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Matthew Dawson
Click for details
AI Summary
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Amends Rhode Island law regarding children under age 7 left unattended in motor vehicles, changing officer authority from "are authorized to" provide verbal warnings to "may" provide them
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Removes existing prohibition on fines and sanctions for violations, as well as the requirement that no record be maintained of warnings
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Adds explicit language allowing criminal prosecution under applicable laws for acts arising from leaving a child unattended that constitute a criminal offense
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Enables law enforcement to pursue misdemeanor or felony charges in egregious cases rather than being limited to verbal warnings only
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Takes effect immediately upon passage
Legislative Description
Restores law enforcement discretion, allowing officers to issue a verbal warning when appropriate or pursue misdemeanor or felony charges in more egregious cases where a child is left unattended in a motor vehicle.
Motor And Other Vehicles
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
2/27/2026