SB317 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Steve French
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Henry Eugene “Hank” Erwin Jr.Linda Coleman-Madison Priscilla Dunn Arthur Orr Bobby D. Singleton Wendell Mitchell Myron Penn George M. “Marc” Keahey Tom Butler Phil Poole Larry Dixon Vivian Davis Figures Jimmy Holley Harri Anne Smith Kim Benefield Lowell Barron T.D. “Ted” Little J.T. Waggoner Del Marsh Ben H. Brooks Trip Pittman Rodger Smitherman Zeb Little Paul Sanford Larry Means Rusty Glover Hank Sanders Bobby Denton Quinton Ross Roger Bedford, Jr.Hinton Mitchem Jim Preuitt
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Children, day care providers, leaving child unattended in a motor vehicle unless supervised by person of certain age prohibited, penalties determined by first, second, or subsequent conviction and whether child is injured or fatally injured, Amiyah White Unattended Children in Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Summary: SB317 would make it illegal for day care providers or others caring for a child 12 or younger to leave them unattended in a motor vehicle unless someone 14 or older is supervising, with escalating penalties including felonies for injuries or deaths.
What This Bill Does
It bans leaving a child 12 or younger unattended in a motor vehicle unless supervised by a person at least 14. It defines motor vehicle for the purposes of the law and sets penalties that increase with repeat offenses. If the child is injured, the violator faces a Class C felony; if the child is fatally injured, a Class B felony. The act is named the Amiyah White Unattended Children in Motor Vehicle Safety Act and includes notes about local-funding requirements and an effective date after governor approval.

Who It Affects
Day care providers or individuals hired to care for a child 12 years old or younger, who would be prohibited from leaving the child unattended in a motor vehicle and could face fines or criminal charges for violations.
Children 12 years old or younger and their families, who would be protected by the prohibition; injuries or deaths resulting from violations would lead to criminal charges for the violator.

Key Provisions
Prohibits leaving a child 12 years old or younger unattended in a motor vehicle unless supervised by a person 14 years of age or older.
First offense carries a fine of at least $2,000.
Second or subsequent offenses carry a Class A misdemeanor.
If the child is injured, the violator commits a Class C felony; if the child is fatally injured, the violator commits a Class B felony.
Defines 'motor vehicle' as used in the act and references the official name: Amiyah White Unattended Children in Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
The bill is exempt from certain local-funding requirements because it creates a new crime or amends an existing crime (Amendment 621 provision).
Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Crimes and Offenses