VEHICLE CHILD SEATING SYSTEMS

Senate Bill 82

Sponsor:  Sen. Michelle A. McManus

House Committee:  Transportation

Senate Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 3-12-08

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 82 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE

Currently under the Michigan Vehicle Code, generally speaking, drivers and front-seat passengers in vehicles operated on a street or highway must wear a safety belt, and children under four must ride in a child restraint system. 

Senate Bill 82 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require that a child who is four years of age or older but less than eight, and who is less than four feet nine inches tall, be properly secured in a child restraint system in accordance with the instructions of the child restraint and vehicle manufacturers and with applicable federal standards.    

[Note:  This bill is similar to House Bill 4536, which passed the House on6-27-07.]

MCL 257.710e

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would expand the state regulations concerning child passengers in motor vehicles.  Under the bill, it would be a civil infraction if a child who is between four years of age or older and less than eight and falls within specific height restrictions is not secured in a child restraint system. The fine for this offense is recommended to be no greater than $6.  The violator would also be assessed court costs of up to $19 and a Justice System Assessment of $40.  

Because the fine revenue for civil infraction traffic violations go to county treasurers for local libraries, the fine of up to $6 per offense would generate additional revenue for those libraries.  In addition, the assessed court costs of up to $19 per offense would generate additional revenue for the governmental unit that funds the local court.  Each infraction would also be assessed a $40 Justice System Assessment which would be deposited into the state Justice System Fund (JSF).  The JSF supports various justice-related endeavors in the judicial branch, the Department of State Police, and the Department of Corrections.  (This information is derived from the HFA analysis of House Bill 4536.)

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                   Fiscal Analyst:  ViolaBay Wild

                                                                                                                          

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.