HB 2494: The Good Samaritan Bill
Arizona's law giving bystanders the legal protection to act when they see a pet or child in danger inside a hot vehicle.
Signed into Law
Arizona HB 2494 was signed into law, providing civil immunity to Good Samaritans who rescue pets and children from hot vehicles.
What the Law Does
HB 2494 provides civil immunity to any person who breaks into a vehicle to rescue a child or domestic animal they reasonably believe is in imminent danger due to heat, cold, or other conditions. The law requires the rescuer to contact emergency services before or immediately after the rescue.
Why This Law Matters
Before HB 2494, bystanders who broke into a vehicle to save a pet or child risked being charged with criminal damage or civil liability. This law removes that barrier — empowering everyday Arizonans to act without fear of legal consequences.
Requirements for Protection
- 1
Reasonable Belief of Danger
You must reasonably believe the child or animal is in imminent danger of suffering harm due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or other circumstances.
- 2
Vehicle is Locked
The vehicle must be locked and there is no other reasonable means to remove the child or animal.
- 3
Contact Emergency Services
You must contact law enforcement, fire, or emergency services before entering the vehicle, or as soon as possible after.
- 4
Remain at the Scene
You must remain with the child or animal in a safe location near the vehicle until emergency services arrive.
- 5
Use Minimum Force
You may not use more force than necessary to enter the vehicle and remove the child or animal.
How We Got Here
DONTLEAVEME.ORG launches the Take the Pledge campaign, raising public awareness about hot car deaths.
HB 2494 is introduced in the Arizona Legislature with support from animal welfare advocates and community leaders.
HB 2494 is signed into law, making Arizona one of the states protecting Good Samaritans who rescue pets and children from hot cars.
You Have the Power to Act
If you see a pet or child in a hot car in Arizona, you are legally protected to help. Don't hesitate — call 911 first, then act.