(KCPW News) The Utah House of Representatives rejected a bill that would make it a misdemeanor to leave a child in a car under dangerous conditions today. Several lawmakers said it represented further government intrusion into personal responsibility. However the bill’s house sponsor, Representative Lee Perry, said it does just the opposite.
“It lessens government’s involvement in parent’s rights. It makes it so a parent is not going to get charged with child neglect or child abuse. It makes it much cleaner for the officer to issue a simple citation for a class C misdemeanor,” said Perry.
The bill makes it a class C misdemeanor to leave a child under 9 years old in a car unless accompanied by someone at least 12 years old, and the child is in danger of hyperthermia, hypothermia or dehydration. However, Representative Christine Watkins said the bill might not go far enough.
“Really and truly if you wanted to make a good law you’d say you never leave your children in the car, period,” said Watkins.
Senate Bill 124 failed by a 29 to 41 vote after previously passing the Senate.
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