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6/30/2026
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Raptakis, Dawson bill that protects children from being left alone in vehicles signed into law
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STATE HOUSE – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis and Rep. Matthew S. Dawson that will protect minors left unattended in cars has been signed into law. Both Senator Raptakis and Representative Dawson worked with Attorney General Peter Neronha’s office to craft the legislation.
The legislation (2026-S 3135, 2026-H 8094) would restore 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
“Leaving children unattended in a car can have serious consequences for the health and safety of the children. There is a serious danger of abduction and an even greater danger from excessive temperatures inside a car. Now, there are varying degrees in the severity of leaving a child alone in a car, and this bill allows law enforcement to determine if a warning will suffice, or if charges against the parent or guardian are warranted. Animals are protected from being left unattended in a car with extreme temperatures. It’s time we give our children the same protection. It’s time we protect our children,” said Senator Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich).
“As a former prosecutor, I have witnessed some truly tragic scenes where children were left unattended in a vehicle. In the most extreme circumstances when a child is injured or worse, charges are always warranted. But there are cases where a warning from law enforcement should suffice with the hope that future emergencies will be prevented,” said Representative Dawson (D-Dist. 65, East Providence).
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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