The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents about a Washington law that provides limited protections for people who act in good faith to rescue a child, vulnerable person or domestic animal from imminent danger inside a motor vehicle.
The reminder came after the sheriff’s office received questions following a video of one of their deputies rescuing a toddler from a hot vehicle.
According to the sheriff’s office, House Bill 1046 was signed into law last year and provides limited civil liability protections in certain emergency situations involving a vulnerable person or domestic animal trapped inside a vehicle.
The law generally allows a person to enter a vehicle to provide aid if specific conditions are met. The vehicle must be locked, or the person or animal inside must be unable to get out without help. The person entering the vehicle must have a good-faith and reasonable belief that there is an imminent danger of harm.
The sheriff’s office said law enforcement or 911 should be notified before entry, and no more force than necessary should be used to get into the vehicle. The person must also remain with the child or animal in a safe location near the vehicle until emergency responders arrive.
The intent of the law, according to the agency, is to protect people who act in good faith to save a life while also ensuring those actions remain reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.
