Pennsylvania 'Kids in Hot Car' Law Now in Effect

A new law that went into effect on July 15, 2019, means that those who take certain steps to rescue children locked inside hot cars will be provided some legal immunity in Pennsylvania.

On May 16, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill protecting “Good Samaritans” from liability for damages if they believe a child is in imminent danger, providing that the “Samaritan” has made a “good-faith effort” to contact the vehicle owner and emergency responders, and that the person uses no more force than necessary.

“Sunshine streaming through car windows turns the vehicle into an oven, and lowering the windows sli...