BOOSTER SEATS & SAFETY BELTS S.B. 183 (S-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS






Senate Bill 183 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Senator Michelle A. McManus
Committee: Transportation

CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to add child restraint system requirements for children younger than eight or up to four feet, nine inches tall.
The Code requires a driver and front seat passenger to wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt, although a child younger than four must be protected as required under Section 710d. (Under that section, a driver transporting a child under four years of age must properly secure that child in a child restraint system that meets the standards prescribed in the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 571.213).)


Under the bill, except as required for a child under four years old, a child younger than eight, or a child who was up to four feet, nine inches tall would have to be secured properly in a child restraint system in accordance with the restraint manufacturer's and vehicle manufacturer's instructions and the standards prescribed in 49 CFR 571.213.


Currently, a driver transporting a child who is at least four but younger than 16 must secure the child in a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt. Under the bill, this requirement would apply to a child who was at least eight but younger than 16.


MCL 257.710e Legislative Analyst: Julie Koval

FISCAL IMPACT
The bill could result in additional revenue to the State and local units of government. To the extent that there would be increased violations, the bill would result in additional fine revenue, courts costs, and Justice System Fund Assessments. Fine revenue from civil infractions under the Michigan Vehicle Code would be allocated to public libraries. Fines resulting from citations for violations of corresponding local ordinances are shared between the local unit of government and the court funding unit.


Date Completed: 2-22-06 Fiscal Analyst: Stephanie Yu

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. sb183/0506