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House raises child‑restraint fine, extends age coverage after floor debate
Summary
Lawmakers passed HB 50 to increase penalties for failing to use approved child‑restraint devices (committee sponsor proposed raising the fine from $20 to $75 and extending the covered age to 10); an amendment to reduce the increase to $50 failed and the bill passed 52–9.
The House approved HB 50 to modify child‑restraint requirements and penalties, passing the bill 52–9.
Representative Richard King, the bill’s sponsor, told colleagues that the existing $20 fine is out of step with seat‑child costs and provides too weak an incentive to purchase appropriate child safety seats. He said the bill raises the penalty to $75 and extends the coverage age from 8 to 10 years (an amendment made in committee). Sponsors emphasized the bill’s public‑safety rationale: unrestrained children face high risk in crashes and the proposal aims to increase compliance.
Opponents proposed reducing the increase to $50 to avoid imposing an excessive burden on low‑income parents. Representative Saunders moved the $50 amendment and argued the higher $75 fine is excessive for struggling young families. Several members responded that a stronger deterrent is appropriate to protect children; the amendment failed on voice votes and the primary measure passed.
Representative King noted that purchasing a safety seat can cost from about $35.99 to more than $120 and that a higher fine is intended to create a stronger incentive to obtain a proper restraint. The bill does not change the statutory mechanism that allows courts to dismiss an infraction if the driver submits proof of purchase or rental of a child‑restraint device.
The measure will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
