TRANSPORTING CHILD; WEIGHT/HEIGHT S.B. 1135:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 1135 (as introduced 11-6-14)
Committee: Families, Seniors and Human Services
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require a driver transporting a child to position the child in a child restraint system according to the child's weight or height.
Except as otherwise provided by law, a rule promulgated under the Administrative Procedures Act, or Federal regulation, the Code requires a driver transporting a child less than four years of age in a motor vehicle to properly secure the child in a child restraint system that meets the standards prescribed in 49 C.F.R. 571.213.
The Code specifies that a driver transporting a child less than four years of age must position the child in a child restraint system in a rear seat, if the vehicle is equipped with a rear seat, unless all available rear seats are occupied with such children. The bill instead would require a driver transporting a child less than four years of age to position the child in the child restraint system as follows:
-- If the child weighed 30 pounds or less, in a rear-facing child seat.
-- If the child weighed between 30 and 50 pounds, in a forward-facing child seat
-- If the child was not taller than 57 inches, in a booster seat.
MCL 257.710d Legislative Analyst: Jeff Mann
FISCAL IMPACT
A violation of the child restraint requirements is a civil infraction. The proposed change in language could result in an increase in violations and an increase in civil infraction revenue, which the Michigan Vehicle Code dedicates to public libraries.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.