JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Rep. Elijah Haahr hopes to expand Missouri’s good Samaritan law to allow conscientious citizens to break into a hot vehicle in order to rescue a forgotten child. Haahr pre-filed his “Rescue the Forgotten” bill during the pre-filing period that began in the Missouri House on Tuesday, Dec. 1.
Haahr said the law is similar to ones already in effect in other states such as Tennessee. In effect, the bill would protect individuals for damages caused while trying to rescue a child in danger.
According to KidsandCars.org, in the last 20 years, more than 700 children have died from heatstroke in vehicles in the United States. Missouri ranks as the 13th highest state for most child vehicular heatstroke deaths.
“It’s time for Missouri to join the many other states that have made the safety and well-being of their young people a top priority. It’s common sense to empower people to do the right thing in what could be a life or death situation.” said Haahr, R-Springfield.
