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State senator 'confident' hot car break-in bill will be read, passed this week

Posted at 5:49 AM, Apr 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-24 21:28:08-04

State Sen. John Kavanagh (R-Fountain Hills) says he is confident HB2494, a bill protecting good Samaritans who break into hot cars to rescue pets or kids, will be read this week and will pass.

"When there's a child or a pet dying in a car because they're locked in in the heat, the last thing potential rescuers should be worrying about is being sued for their good work," he said.  

Rescuers would need to check to make sure a car's door is indeed locked, call 911 and have a "good faith" belief a child or animal is in danger before using 'minimal force' to enter a vehicle.  

The bill has the support of Governor Doug Ducey, who said during his state-of-the-state address, "The last thing we'd want is any Arizonan worried about breaking into that car to save a life. Send me a bill protecting the good Samaritans who save the lives of children and pets -- and I'll sign it."  

Some, including Rep. Eddie Farnsworth (R-Gilbert), have called the bill overly broad and say it could provide a cover for criminals.