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Committee approves AB 435 to adopt 5‑step test for child passenger seating and booster requirements
Summary
AB 435 would align California child passenger safety law with the 5‑step test used by other states, extending booster and rear‑seat protections and clarifying when children 10–13 may sit in the front seat. The committee approved the bill with no recorded opposition in the hearing room.
Assemblymember Wilson presented AB 435 on May 7, a bill to implement the five‑step test standard in California child passenger safety law. The measure would require use of appropriate child passenger restraints and extend rear‑seat protections for children ages 10 to 13 unless they meet the five‑step test; it would also clarify when a 13‑year‑old may sit in the front seat.
Wilson said the bill has negligible state cost and is endorsed by the Strategic Highway Safety Plan occupant protection committee. Mark Farooq of the California Hospital Association testified in support. No witnesses in opposition were recorded in the hearing room.
Committee members asked no substantive technical questions during the presentation and supported moving the bill forward; the author indicated she anticipates amendments on the Assembly floor to correct drafting technicalities noted by Legislative Counsel. The committee took a roll‑call vote and moved AB 435 out of committee.
