Idling your car to protect a pet could become legal in Washington

Zoom in: Senate Bill 5833 would let drivers idle their cars for up to 30 minutes to keep the heat or air conditioning running for a pet that's inside.

• A state Senate committee voted to advance the measure last week.

What they're saying: The idea is to eliminate friction between the state's no-idling law and another law that says you can't leave pets in cars when they could be harmed by excessive heat or cold, state Sen. Keith Wagoner, the bill's prime sponsor, told Axios.

• "I just didn't think that should be a conflict," Wagoner (R-Sedro Woolley) said.
• He said the measure was partly inspired by his 4-year-old German shepherd, LaiLa, who often accompanies him in the car.

The other side: A major police group warns the bill could lead to more car thefts and break-ins.

• The state's no-idling law is meant to deter those crimes, James McMahan of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs said at a Jan. 19 public hearing.
• Police "recognize that people love their pets," McMahan said. But "we also don't want to see vehicles stolen or broken into."

What's next: The bill could soon come up for a vote in the state Senate.

• To become law, it would also need to clear the state House and avoid a veto from the governor.