KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

Back to Washington

SB5237 • 2026

Unattended child in vehicle

Concerning leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.

Children
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Senator Muzzall, Senator Lovick, Senator Krishnadasan
Last action
2026-01-12
Official status
S Law & Justice
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.

Unattended child in vehicle

Unattended child in vehicle

What This Bill Does

  • Unattended child in vehicle

Limits and Unknowns

  • This entry is temporarily using official source text because the generated explanation could not be confirmed against the official bill text during the last sync.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-12 Senate

    By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

Official Summary Text

Unattended child in vehicle

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
AN ACT Relating to leaving a child unattended in a vehicle; 1
amending RCW 9.91.060; prescribing penalties; and making an 2
appropriation. 3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:4
Sec. 1. RCW 9.91.060 and 1999 c 143 s 9 are each amended to read 5
as follows: 6
(1) Every person having the care and custody, whether temporary 7
or permanent, of minor children under the age of ((twelve)) 12 years, 8
who shall leave such children in a parked automobile unattended by an 9
adult while such person enters a tavern or other premises where 10
vinous, spirituous, or malt liquors are dispensed for consumption on 11
the premises shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.12
(2) A person who has the care and custody, whether temporary or 13
permanent, of a minor child under the age of nine years, and 14
knowingly leaves the child unattended by an adult in a parked 15
automobile, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.16
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The sum of $100,000, or as much thereof as 17
may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 18
2026, from the general fund to the department of health, for the 19
S-0538.1
SENATE BILL 5237
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session
By Senators Muzzall, Lovick, and Krishnadasan
Read first time 01/14/25. Referred to Committee on Law & Justice.
p. 1 SB 5237
purposes of promoting awareness of this act and the dangers inherent 1
in leaving young children unattended in a vehicle. 2
--- END ---
p. 2 SB 5237