Leftwich Wins Full Senate Approval for Demarion’s Law

A pre-school child left unable to walk or talk after a day care center accidentally left him in a hot van has resulted in the Senate passage of a bill to help families who could face a similar tragedy in the future. State Sen. Debbe Leftwich is author of House Bill 2863, known as Demarion’s Law, which would require day care facilities to carry liability insurance.

“Demarion Pittman’s mother had carefully screened about half a dozen day care centers before settling on one. The Pittman family was devastated when that day care left their son in that van, resulting in injuries that will require millions of dollars in health care for the rest of his life,” said Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City. “They were further traumatized when they learned they’d be holding the bag for those medical bills because the state doesn’t require day care centers to carry liability insurance.”

HB 2863, authored by Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, in the House, would require day care facilities to carry a minimum of $200,000. If a day care facility cannot get liability insurance, they must notify the parents of the children they provide care for. If a facility does have insurance and fails to renew, that can be grounds for the suspension of its license.

“The Pittman’s know this legislation won’t change their situation, but have still worked hard for its passage in the hope of ensuring what happened to them won’t happen to other Oklahoma families,” Leftwich said. “I want to thank my fellow members for their courageous effort with the passage of Demarion’s Law.”

Leftwich said the bill now goes to Gov. Brad Henry for his consideration.