BOOSTER SEAT FOR CHILD UNDER 8 YEARS OLD

House Bill 6024

Sponsor:  Rep. Rick Jones

Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 5-12-06

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 6024 AS INTRODUCED 5-2-06

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require that a child under eight years of age be seated in a booster seat and secured by a safety belt.  The booster seat would have to be certified by the manufacturer as complying with federal law.

Currently, the law requires a child under four years of age be transported in a child restraint system that meets federal standards (an approved safety seat).  House Bill 6024 would not affect this requirement.   The law currently requires drivers transporting children from age 4 through 15 to secure them in a safety belt.  Under the bill, this would be adjusted to apply to children from age 8 to 15 (since younger children would be in either a booster seat or child safety seat).  The law also requires a driver and a front seat passenger to wear a safety belt.

MCL 257.710e

FISCAL IMPACT:

The fiscal impact is indeterminate.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Jan Wisniewski

■ 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.