Concerning leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.

SB 5237 makes it a misdemeanor to leave a child under 9 unattended in a parked car and a gross misdemeanor to leave a child under 12 unattended while entering a tavern or bar. The law specifically targets caregivers who leave minors in vehicles alone while accessing alcohol-serving establishments. It also allocates $100,000 for public awareness campaigns about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles. The bill directly affects parents, guardians, and caregivers of young children in Washington State.