Prohibits leaving a child under the age of 8 locked in a car or building while the person responsible for the child is absent, unless a reliable person at least 13 years old remains with the child.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Chapter 709, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§709- Leaving a child locked in a building or vehicle. (a) A person commits the offense of leaving a child locked in a building or vehicle if, having care or custody of a child under the age of eight years, the person intentionally or knowingly allows the child to be locked or confined in a dwelling, building or enclosure, or motor vehicle while the person is absent and the dwelling, building or enclosure, or motor vehicle is out of sight of the person, unless the person provides a reliable person at least thirteen years old to remain with and protect the child.

(b) Leaving a child locked in a building or vehicle is a misdemeanor."

SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun, before its effective date.

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.