Existing law prohibits a person from leaving a child or pet in a motor vehicle under certain circumstances. (NRS 202.485, 202.487) Existing law authorizes a law enforcement officer or other person rendering emergency services to use any reasonable means necessary to protect a child left unattended or inadequately attended in a motor vehicle and to remove the child from the motor vehicle without incurring civil liability, under certain circumstances. (NRS 202.485) Existing law similarly authorizes a peace officer, animal control officer, certain governmental officers or employees and certain other persons to use any reasonable means necessary to protect a pet left unattended in a motor vehicle and to remove the pet from the motor vehicle without incurring civil liability, under certain circumstances. (NRS 202.487) Sections 1 and 2 of this bill provide that a person who is immune from civil liability for taking certain actions is also immune from criminal liability under the same circumstances as existing law grants the person immunity from civil liability. Sections 1 and 2 also authorize a person to whom existing law does not grant immunity from civil liability to use any reasonable means necessary to protect a child or pet left unattended or inadequately attended in a motor vehicle and to remove the pet or child from the motor vehicle without incurring civil or criminal liability if the person: (1) determines that the motor vehicle is locked or there is no other reasonable way to protect the child or pet or remove the child or pet from the vehicle; (2) reports the violation to a law enforcement agency or certain other governmental entities; (3) remains with the child or pet until informed that his or her presence is no longer needed; and (4) cooperates with certain persons who respond to a request for assistance.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 202.485, 202.487
BDR: 202.485, 202.487