Lawmakers approve unattended child law

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Gov. Mary Fallin’s desk is the next stop for legislation that waives liability for anyone who breaks into a locked vehicle to rescue a child.

The Oklahoma House approved the measure in a 92-1 vote on Monday and sent it to the governor to be signed into law.

The bill by Republican Rep. Dennis Johnson of Duncan would immunize from civil liability anyone who breaks out a window in a locked vehicle to save the life of an unattended child who is in danger.

Last year, the nation recorded the deaths of at least 30 children who suffered heat stroke after they were left in vehicles. The year before, a total of 44 heat stroke deaths were reported across the United States.