The penalty doesn't fit the crime. In this story, it is relayed that only nine states have laws banning leaving kids alone in a vehicle. Check out the fine in CA. Not nearly enough!
"According to the Web site of Fennell's group, nine states -- California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington -- make it illegal to leave a child alone in a vehicle. In California, for example, anyone caught leaving a child 7 or younger alone in a car can be fined $100."