Jun. 28, 2017
HARRISBURG – The House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin), approved legislation today that would encourage Pennsylvanians to step in and assist children left alone in hot cars.
“This legislation is vital to helping children that may be in real danger,” said Marsico. “All of us have heard of young children being left in a hot car and how devastating the result of that can be. This bill will give people a chance to help without worrying about the ramifications of their actions if they see a traumatic situation like this happening.”
House Bill 1152 would provide civil immunity for property damage resulting from forcibly entering a vehicle in order to rescue an individual. The immunity only applies when the person is acting reasonably under the circumstances. He or she must have a good faith belief that the person is in imminent danger of suffering harm, and must have determined that the vehicle is locked and there is otherwise no reasonable method for the person to be removed. Also, prior to forcibly entering the vehicle, the person must have contacted or attempted to contact law enforcement.
In addition to House Bill 1152, two other bills moved through the committee today.
House Bill 1346 would create the offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft. Under the bill, it would be unlawful to intentionally or knowingly conduct surveillance of another person in a private place; operate the unmanned aircraft in a manner which places another person in reasonable fear of bodily injury; or deliver, provide or furnish contraband to an inmate.
House Bill 1216 would provide civil immunity to police officers, humane society police officers and firefighters for property damage resulting from forcibly entering a vehicle in order to rescue an animal in imminent danger of suffering harm.
All three bills will now go to the full House for consideration.
Representative Ronald Marsico
105th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
RonMarsico.com
Media Contact: Autumn R. Southard, 717.652.3721
asouthar@pahousegop.com