SB97 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tammy Irons
Democrat
Co-Sponsors: George M. “Marc” Keahey Scott Beason Vivian Davis Figures Jimmy Holley Harri Anne Smith Greg J. Reed Shadrack McGill Paul Bussman Bill Holtzclaw Phillip W. Williams Clay Scofield Gerald O. Dial Bryan Taylor Jerry L. Fielding Bobby D. Singleton Arthur Orr Priscilla Dunn William “Bill” M. Beasley Cam Ward Gerald H. Allen J.T. Waggoner Del Marsh Ben H. Brooks Trip Pittman Rodger Smitherman Paul Sanford Rusty Glover Hank Sanders Quinton Ross Roger Bedford, Jr.Linda Coleman-Madison Tom Whatley
Session: Regular Session 2011
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: This bill makes it illegal for day care providers or people for hire to leave a child 12 years of age or younger unattended in a motor vehicle unless supervised by a person 14 years of age or older.
What This Bill Does
If passed, it would prohibit leaving a young child unattended in a motor vehicle and require supervision by someone 14 or older. It sets penalties that escalate with violations and injuries: at least a $2,000 fine for a first offense, a Class A misdemeanor for a second or later offense, a Class C felony if the child is injured, and a Class B felony if the child is fatally injured. It also specifies when the law takes effect and notes the local-funds expenditure rule does not apply because the bill creates a new crime.

Who It Affects
Day care providers or other people for hire who are responsible for a child 12 years of age or younger, who would be prohibited from leaving that child unattended in a motor vehicle unless supervised by someone 14 or older.
Children 12 years of age or younger who would be protected by the prohibition from being left unattended in a motor vehicle, and who could be affected by enforcement actions and penalties if violations occur.

Key Provisions
Prohibits a day care provider or a person for hire from leaving a child 12 years of age or younger unattended in a motor vehicle unless supervised by a person who is 14 years of age or older (defines motor vehicle for this purpose).
Establishes penalties: a first conviction carries a minimum $2,000 fine; second or subsequent convictions are Class A misdemeanors; if the child is injured, the violator is guilty of a Class C felony; if the child is fatally injured, the violator is guilty of a Class B felony. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage, and it is exempt from certain local-funds rules because it creates a new crime.

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