SB397 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Tammy Irons
Democrat
Co-Sponsors: Scott Beason Vivian Davis Figures Jimmy Holley Harri Anne Smith Greg J. Reed Shadrack McGill Dick Brewbaker Paul Bussman Bill Holtzclaw Phillip W. Williams Clay Scofield Gerald O. Dial Bryan Taylor Jerry L. Fielding Tom Whatley George M. “Marc” Keahey Bobby D. Singleton Arthur Orr 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 Priscilla Dunn Mark Slade Blackwell
Session: Regular Session 2012
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: SB397 would ban day care providers and other caregivers from leaving a child or incapacitated person alone in a motor vehicle and impose escalating penalties if injuries or death occur.
What This Bill Does
Known as the Amiyah White Unattended Children in Motor Vehicle Safety Act, it prohibits leaving a child or incapacitated person unattended in a motor vehicle unless someone at least 19 years old is supervising. Licensed day care centers, licensed facilities, programs for incapacitated persons, and their employees, or any person responsible for a child or incapacitated person, would be covered. Violations carry at least a $2,000 fine, with prior convictions making the offense a Class C misdemeanor; if injury occurs the violator faces a Class A misdemeanor, if serious injury occurs a Class C felony, and if a fatality occurs a Class B felony. The bill also notes it creates a new crime and has provisions related to local funding restrictions, with an effective date after passage and gubernatorial approval.

Who It Affects
Licensed day care centers, licensed child care facilities, programs providing day care to incapacitated persons, exempt child care providers, and their employees — these entities and their staff would be prohibited from leaving a child or incapacitated person unattended in a motor vehicle and face penalties for violations.
Any person responsible for a child or incapacitated person (including employees or people hired to care for them) — these individuals could be fined or charged with crimes ranging from misdemeanor to felonies if they leave someone unattended and harm occurs.

Key Provisions
Prohibits leaving a child or incapacitated person unattended in a motor vehicle unless supervised by someone at least 19 years old.
Penalties: not less than $2,000 fine for a first violation; if there is a prior conviction under this section, the offense becomes a Class C misdemeanor.
If the unattended person is physically injured, the violator is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor; if seriously injured, a Class C felony; if fatally injured, a Class B felony.
Defines who is covered (day care centers, facilities, programs for incapacitated persons, and their employees, or any person responsible for a child or incapacitated person under 19).
Notwithstanding local funding rules, the bill is treated as creating a new crime or amending an existing one, so it is exempt from certain local-funding requirements.
Effective date: the act becomes law on 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