Florida

New Florida Bill Would Make It Illegal to Leave Kids Alone In Cars

Leaving a child alone in a hot car -- or any vehicle, for that matter -- could be illegal by October of next year, according to a new bill filed by the Florida Senate.

The bill comes weeks after a child died in a van just outside of an Orlando day care on a scorching summer day. Three-year-old Myles Hill had been left behind in the vehicle by the day care van driver, who is now facing criminal charges.

Senate Bill 92 states that a parent, legal guardian or other person responsible for a child younger than 6 years of age may not leave a child unattended or unsupervised in a vehicle for any length of time. Anyone who violates the bill would be committing a second-degree misdemeanor.

If the child suffers bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement, the violator would be committing a third-degree felony, the bill says.

The bill was proposed by Senator Lauren Book, of Broward County. If the act passes, it will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2018.

Five kids have died in Florida this year after being left in hot cars, according to Orlando Police Chief John Mina.

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