Children enjoying a sunny day, reminding everyone about vehicle safety.
Olympia, Washington, July 31, 2025
Washington State has enacted House Bill 1046, which allows individuals to rescue children and vulnerable adults from hot vehicles without legal repercussions. Effective July 27, the law mandates that rescuers must call 911 and remain on the scene until authorities arrive. The legislation aims to combat the alarming number of heat-related fatalities linked to vehicles, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness. This law reinforces protective measures for those unable to assist themselves, promoting proactive community involvement in emergency situations.
Olympia, Washington – On July 27, 2025, a new law known as House Bill 1046 will go into effect in Washington state, allowing individuals to rescue vulnerable persons from hot vehicles without fear of legal repercussions. The legislation aims to protect both children and vulnerable adults who may be at risk due to extreme heat inside parked cars.
The law stipulates that if someone witnesses a child or vulnerable adult trapped inside a vehicle, they can break in to rescue them without the risk of a lawsuit for property damage. However, specific conditions must be followed for the act to be legally protected. Prior to breaking into the car, the individual must call 911 for assistance and must remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. This measure creates a safe environment for Good Samaritans who seek to act in emergency situations.
While the law primarily focuses on rescuing children, it also includes vulnerable adults who may suffer from mental, emotional, sensory, or age-related impairments. The necessity for such a law is underscored by alarming statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which reported more than 1,000 children have died from vehicular heatstroke since 1998. This year alone has seen 15 confirmed deaths attributed to heatstroke, including the last incident occurring on May 24, 2023.
The dangers posed by heat inside vehicles are severe. Research indicates that the internal temperature of a vehicle can soar above 110 degrees Fahrenheit within just 25 minutes, with a 19-degree increase occurring in just 10 minutes, even when the windows are cracked. These alarming figures have prompted a strong message from safety organizations emphasizing that cracked windows are inadequate in preventing heat-related harm to passengers.
In addition to children, pets also suffer significantly in hot vehicles. It is noted that animals can experience heat-related problems in just 15 minutes under similar conditions. With summer approaching and temperatures rising in the Washington Metro area, authorities are intensifying efforts to remind the public about the dangers of leaving children and pets unattended in parked cars.
The NHTSA has encouraged the public to remember the crucial slogan “Stop. Look. Lock,” which serves as a reminder to check for children and pets before exiting vehicles. As the weather heats up, raising awareness and promoting preventative measures has become increasingly vital. Last year, 39 children died from vehicular heatstroke in the U.S., showing a troubling increase in these incidents compared to the previous year.
With the implementation of this law, lawmakers believe that it may encourage bystanders to take life-saving action without the fear of being sued. This legislation is part of a broader effort to combat rising heatstroke incidents and encourage proactive behavior in rescuing those in distress.
The law allows individuals to break into a vehicle to rescue vulnerable persons, including children and impaired adults, without fear of lawsuits, as long as they call 911 first and stay at the scene until help arrives.
House Bill 1046 will be effective starting July 27, 2025.
The law applies to children and vulnerable adults who may be suffering from cognitive impairments, emotional distress, or age-related issues.
Vehicles can heat up rapidly, potentially exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit within 25 minutes. Higher internal temperatures can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition.
People are encouraged to remember the slogan “Stop. Look. Lock” and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. Awareness and prompt action can prevent tragic incidents.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | July 27, 2025 |
| Protection from Lawsuits | Individuals who rescue vulnerable persons can break into a vehicle without fear of legal action if conditions are met. |
| Conditions for Rescue | Call 911 first and remain on the scene until authorities arrive. |
| Who is Protected | Includes children and vulnerable adults with impairments. |
| Statistics | Ongoing issues with heat-related fatalities highlight the importance of the law; over 1,000 children impacted since 1998. |
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