2675-S AMH FORT H4705.1

SHB 2675 - H AMD 433 WITHDRAWN 2-15-00

By Representative Fortunato

    Beginning on page 1, line 18, strike everything through "pounds" on page 2, line 16, and insert the following:

    "(b) If the child ((is less than three years of age)) weighs at least twenty pounds, the child shall be properly restrained in a child restraint system that ((complies with standards of the United States department of transportation and that is secured in the vehicle in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer of the child restraint system;

    (b) If the child is less than ten but at least three years of age, the child shall be restrained either as specified in (a) of this subsection or with a safety belt properly adjusted and fastened around the child's body.)) is suitable to the child's height, weight, and age.  Forward-facing child safety seats must have a four-point shoulder harness system.  Booster seats must be appropriate to the child's height and weight so that the seat belt properly fits across the child's lap and the shoulder strap crosses the center of the chest.  Seat belts must not be used by a child as the sole restraint device unless the child is of the weight and height that will allow the seat belt to properly fit across the child's lap and the shoulder strap crosses the center of the chest;

(c) The driver of a vehicle transporting a child who is restrained in a rear-facing infant seat, a forward-facing child safety seat, or a child booster seat"

SHB 2675 - H AMD

By Representative Fortunato

    On page 2, line 21, after "through" strike "(d)" and insert "(c)"

EFFECT:  Removes language that set the child safety seat requirements as (1) one to four years of age or up to forty pounds in a car seat; (2) four to eight years of age or forty to eighty pounds in a booster seat; and (3) eight years of age and older or over eighty pounds in a seat belt.

    Replaces this language with broad language that requires children be restrained in a child restraint system appropriate to their height, weight, and age.  Specifications relate strictly to proper and safe fit of the child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt to allow law enforcement to visually inspect the fit of the child restraint system, as opposed to weighing the child on sight and determining appropriate usage.

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