A new law signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson allows for people to break into a vehicle if there is a vulnerable person or pet left in the car. There are five criteria to ensure the rescuer will have no legal repercussions. The criteria are as follows: make sure the animal or person can’t leave, make sure the person or pet is in immediate danger, call 911 before breaking into the car, cause minimal damage and stay with the pet or person until first responders arrive.
May 5, 2025
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New law provides protection for hot car rescues
Those who save vulnerable people or animals from overheated vehicles have reduced liability risks.
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature has passed House Bill 1046, which grants immunity from civil liability for those who forcibly enter a locked vehicle to rescue a vulnerable person or domestic pet. The bill, passed by both the House and Senate in April and signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, is set to take effect on July 27, 2025.