Minnesota's Senate Bill 2669, introduced on April 22, 2025, aims to enhance child safety in vehicles by mandating training for individuals transporting children under the age of nine. The bill amends existing statutes to require that before a license holder can transport young children, they must complete a training program focused on the proper use and installation of child passenger restraint systems.

Key provisions of the bill include a requirement for this training to be repeated every five years, ensuring that caregivers stay updated on best practices based on a child's size, weight, and age. The training must be conducted by certified individuals approved by the Department of Public Safety, and license holders can access a list of these trainers through the department's website.

Notably, child care providers who only transport school-age children in designated child care buses are exempt from this requirement. Additionally, the training completed can count towards in-service training requirements for child care staff, promoting a culture of ongoing education in child safety.

The bill has sparked discussions among lawmakers and child safety advocates, with supporters emphasizing the importance of proper restraint use in reducing injuries and fatalities in car accidents involving young children. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential burden on caregivers and child care providers, questioning the feasibility of the training requirements.

If passed, Senate Bill 2669 is expected to have significant implications for child safety in Minnesota, potentially leading to a decrease in injuries related to improper use of child restraint systems. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, marking a proactive step towards safeguarding the youngest passengers on Minnesota roads. As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the bill's progress and its impact on community safety standards.