CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
House Bill 5689 as introduced
Sponsor: Rep. Laura Cox
Committee: Families, Children, and Seniors
Complete to 5-31-16
SUMMARY:
The bill would amend Sections 710d and 710e of the Michigan Vehicle Code to revise requirements for child safety restraint systems.
Child Restraint System
Under Section 710d of the code, a driver transporting a child less than 4 years of age must properly secure that child in a child restraint system that meets federal standards. A child must be positioned in the child restraint system in a rear seat, if the vehicle is equipped with a rear seat. If all rear seats are filled by children, the child could be positioned in the child restraint system in the front seat. A child in a rear-facing child restraint system may be placed in the front seat only if the front passenger air bag is deactivated.
House Bill 5689 would strike the "less than 4 years of age" language and require a child less than 8 years of age be seated and positioned as follows:
· In a rear-facing child seat, if the child weighs 30 pounds or less, or is less than 2 years of age.
· In a forward-facing child seat, if the child weighs 30 pounds or more but less than 50 pounds, or is 2 years of age or older but less than 5 years of age.
· In a booster seat, if the child is 57 inches tall or less and weighs 50 pounds or more, or is 5 years of age or older but less than 8 years of age.
These provisions would replace current requirements in Section 710e, which would be struck. In that section, requirements are based on a child's age and height. (Generally, they apply to children less than 4 years of age, and children at least 4 years of age and under 8 years of age who are under 4 feet 9 inches in height.)
Eliminate Annual Report
House Bill 5689 would also remove from Section 710e a requirement that the Secretary of State engage an independent organization to conduct a study to determine the effect that the primary enforcement of the safety belt requirements has on the number of incidents of police harassment of motor vehicle operators. This requirement was added in 1999, when the law was made subject to primary enforcement, and required a report be made to the Legislature in 2001, and an annual report thereafter.
The bill would take effect 180 days after being enacted into law.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would have no fiscal impact on the Department of State, on the Department of State Police, or on local law enforcement agencies.
Fiscal Analyst: Perry Zielak
Kent Dell
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.