Among the new Louisiana laws that went into effect on August 1 in Louisiana is the “Good Samaritan Law,” which provides legal protection for those who rescue pets and children from hot cars.

The law, which was drafted and proposed by the Louisiana SPCA and introduced by state Sen. Troy Carter, D-New Orleans, declares, “There shall be no liability on the part of a person for property damage or trespass to a motor vehicle, if the damage was caused while the person was rescuing” a pet or a child.

Before a would-be Good Samaritan goes smashing windows, however, there are certain steps that must be followed: a “good-faith” attempt to locate the owner of the vehicle; a call to emergency services; a note left on the vehicle; and the willingness to wait nearby with the child or pet until help arrives.