Bill

HB 955

84(R) - 2015
House Transportation
House Transportation
Overcriminalization
Transportation & Infrastructure

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Negative
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Negative
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Chris Turner

Co-Author(s)

Byron Cook
Susan King
Joe Moody
John Zerwas

Bill Caption

Relating to the creation of an offense for failing to secure certain children in a rear-facing child passenger safety seat system.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

This legislation would amend the Transportation Code to make it a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $25 and not more than $250,  to transport a child who is younger than two years of age while not keeping the child secured during the operation of the vehicle in a rear-facing child passenger safety seat system, according to the system manufacturer's instructions, unless the child's height or weight exceeds the limits established by the manufacturer.

Vote Recommendation Notes

We oppose this legislation under the limited government, personal responsibility, and free market principles. This bill would mandate parents to purchase a specific type of car-seat for their children under two years of age, and also charge them with a misdemeanor if they do not obey the manufacturers instructions for each particular car seat.  The enforcement of manufacturers instructions, is different and not synonymous with the rule of law, and it is incredibly ambiguous for the purpose of enforcement, as every car seat manufacturer has different wording or explanation as to how to use the seat.