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WA SB5833

Bill

Status

Engrossed

2/11/2026

Primary Sponsor

Keith Wagoner

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates an exception allowing drivers to leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running for up to 30 minutes to operate air conditioning or heating for pets, provided doors are locked and brakes are set
  • Defines "pet" as a dog, cat, or any domesticated animal except livestock
  • Establishes a legal presumption that persons complying with the 30-minute climate control exception have not committed the civil infraction of leaving an animal in a dangerous vehicle environment
  • Makes animal control and law enforcement officers liable for property damage when entering vehicles to rescue animals if the owner was complying with the exception, unless officers can rebut the presumption of compliance
  • Amends RCW 46.61.600 (unattended vehicles) and RCW 16.52.340 (animals in vehicles)

Legislative Description

Allowing pets in unattended motor vehicles under certain circumstances.

Last Action

Public hearing in the House Committee on Transportation at 1:30 PM.

2/26/2026

Committee Referrals

Transportation2/14/2026
Rules1/23/2026
Law & Justice1/12/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available