‘Hot car’ rescues would be protected under bill passed by Senate

Someone trying to rescue a child left behind in a hot car would be protected by the state from lawsuits, under a bill passed Tuesday by the Georgia Senate.

Senate Bill 34 comes after a number of high-profile incidences in Georgia of children being left in locked vehicles. Among them is the death last year of a 22-month-old boy in Cobb County. His father, Ross Harris, is being prosecuted and is alleged to have intentionally left his son in a hot car to die.

State law already tries to protect emergency responders, saying they should not be liable for civil damages for trying to do their jobs at the scene of an accident.

SB 34 would essentially extend that protection to anyone trying to give emergency care to someone — including an adult — who is “incapacitated or endangered” in a locked motor vehicle.

The bill was approved on a 50-2 vote, and now goes to the House for consideration.

About the Author

Kristina Torres

State Rep. Marcus Wiedower resigns from Georgia General Assembly

Wiedower, a Republican from Watkinsville, said he is leaving office to focus on his real estate business.

Despite a $14.6 billion surplus, state leaders say they can’t bail out SNAP

The federal government says the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will run out of money Nov. 1. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp says there is nothing the state can do.

AJC poll: Republican support for Trump remains strong in Georgia

The AJC's poll results are a reminder that even though Trump’s name won’t appear on the ballot in next year’s midterms, his influence shapes Georgia’s political landscape.

The Latest

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

State Rep. Marcus Wiedower resigns from Georgia General Assembly

Georgia isn’t redrawing districts despite Trump’s push. At least for now.

Despite a $14.6 billion surplus, state leaders say they can’t bail out SNAP

Featured

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Despite a $14.6 billion surplus, state leaders say they can’t bail out SNAP

The federal government says the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will run out of money Nov. 1. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp says there is nothing the state can do.

Husband of child services director fled DUI crash with kids in truck, GSP says

Authorities say the husband of Georgia's child protective services director had a blood alcohol level 4 times the legal limit when he left a crash with two kids in his truck.

2h ago

Kirby Smart: LSU coaches ‘borrow’ offices, adds context to Brian Kelly firing

Georgia coach Kirby Smart understands the pressure at LSU, and how that combined with playoff expectations led to Brian Kelly being fired despite a .708 win percentage.