CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS REQ.; MODIFY H.B. 4511 & 4512 (H-1):

SUMMARY OF BILL

REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 4511 (as reported without amendment)

House Bill 4512 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment)

Sponsor: Representative Carrie A. Rheingans (H.B. 4511)

Representative John Fitzgerald (H.B. 4512)

House Committee: Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure

Senate Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure

CONTENT

House Bill 4511 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to do the following:

-- Apply current requirements for child restraint systems for children under four years of age to children under eight years of age.

-- Apply current requirements for safety belts for children between the ages of four and 16 to children between the ages of 13 to 16.

-- Prescribe new requirements for the seating and positioning of children in child restraint systems based on height and weight, as set by the child restraint systems' manufacturers, and age.

House Bill 4512 (H-1) would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow a court to waive any civil fine, cost, or assessment against an individual who received a civil infraction for a violation of child restraint system requirements if the individual, in addition to current requirements, showed evidence that the individual had received education from a certified child passenger safety technician.

The bills are tie-barred, and each bill would take effect 180 days after its enactment.

MCL 257.710d & 257.710e (H.B. 4511)

257.907 (H.B. 4512)

BRIEF RATIONALE

Michigan's child restraint system laws were last updated in 2009; however, according to testimony before the Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Federal law has been continuously updated to align with safety standards recommended by child safety experts, including car seat manufacturers and pediatricians. Some believe this lack of consistency between State and Federal law confuses parents and compromises children's safety. Accordingly, it has been suggested that the State's safety standards be updated by aligning Michigan law with Federal law.

Legislative Analyst: Abby Schneider

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed: 2-15-24 Fiscal Analyst: Bruce R. Baker

Bobby Canell; Joe Carrasco, Jr.

This 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.