Washington state law to shield rescuers saving kids, pets in cars

The big picture: Temperatures inside cars quickly reach unsafe levels, rising an average of 32 degrees in 25 minutes — even when the outside temperature is only 72°F, according to research by meteorologist Jan Null.

• More than 1,000 children nationally have died from heatstroke in cars since 1998, including 15 so far this year, per Null's tally.

What they're saying: "Far too often, people pause out of fear they'll get in trouble — even when a life is on the line," wrote state Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place), the sponsor of the new law, in a recent Facebook post.

• "This new law removes that fear and empowers people to do the right thing."

How it works: To avoid civil liability for breaking into someone's car, Good Samaritans first need to call 911.

• They must then stay on the scene until authorities arrive.

The fine print: The law also applies to rescues of vulnerable adults, such as those who can't care for themselves because of developmental disability or dementia.

Flashback: Not all lawmakers backed the change. State Sen. Leonard Christian (R-Spokane Valley) argued the bill didn't account for technology like Tesla's "dog mode," which keeps cars climate-controlled even when the owner is away.

• During a Senate floor debate in April, Christian said the state doesn't want to "have people breaking out windows of Teslas" because they think a dog is overheating in a car when it isn't.

The bottom line: You'll soon be able to break glass to save Fido with less fear of getting sued in Washington — just make sure to call police first and don't flee the scene.