ATLANTA (March 13, 2015) | This week, Sen. Donzella James (D – Atlanta) led the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 35 through the State Senate. SB 35 provides that a child under six years old in a car unattended, or under the supervision of a child younger than 13 years old, will be charged with cruelty to a child in the third degree, given that the child is at substantial risk of harm to health.
“Too often, irresponsible adults leave children unattended in cars which results in severe injury and, in some tragic cases, death,” said Sen. James. “I applaud my colleagues in the senate for supporting this important measure that seeks harsher punishments for those who commit such offenses. I look forward to a swift passage in the House of Representatives so that we can take another step towards making Georgia safer for all of our children.”
Current law provides that cruelty to a child in the third degree is committed when a primary aggressor commits a forcible felony, battery, or family violence battery, and intentionally or knowingly allows a child under the age of 18 to witness, see, or hear such act.
This bill retains current law and adds that cruelty to a child in the third degree is committed when such person leaves a child six years of age or younger unattended, or supervised by a child younger than 13 years of age, in a car under circumstances that pose a risk of harm to the child’s health or safety.
SB 35 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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For Immediate Release:
March 13, 2015
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Adam Sweat, Sr. Communications Specialist
Adam.sweat@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028