BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 60
Transportation and Homeland Security
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Nearly 1,600 children die each year in motor vehicle accidents, the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 14 and younger. Current law requires children younger than five years of age and who are less than 36 inches in height to be properly secured in a child passenger safety seat system during the operation of a motor vehicle.
As proposed, S.B. 60 increases the age and height requirements relating to the restraint of children during the operation of a motor vehicle to younger than eight years of age, unless the child is taller than four feet and nine inches in height.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 545.412(a), Transportation Code, as follows:
(a) Provides that it is an offense to transport a child younger than eight years of age who is less than four feet, nine inches tall, rather than a child who is less than five years of age and 36 inches in height, unless the child is secured in a child passenger safety seat system.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective to September 1, 2007. Makes prosecution of an offense under the provisions of this Act prospective to January 1, 2008. Authorizes a law enforcement officer before January 1, 2008, to issue a warning to comply with Section 542.413, Transportation Code, as amended by this Act. Prohibits a law enforcement officer from arresting or issuing a notice to appear to a person committing an offense under Section 542.412, Transportation Code, as amended by this Act prior to January 1, 2008.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2007