A new bill introduced in the state legislature would legally protect Good Samaritans who break into vehicles to save overheating children and animals.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that lawmakers heard testimony Monday for the potential legislation.
The bill states it would provide immunity from civil liability when a vehicle is damaged by a person trying to aid a "vulnerable person or domestic animal" in situations where there is "imminent danger of harm" and law enforcement has been notified.
Greg Smith of the Johnson County Sheriff's Department says the bill could cause confusion with its definitions of a vulnerable person and of signs of impairment.
Carla Lewis of the Kansas Animal Control Association says the bill could increase public awareness about the dangers of leaving a child or pet in a car during dangerously hot weather.
