Legislation clarifies car safety seat standards to help parents keep kids safe
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 27, 2023 — On the heels of Child Passenger Safety Week, the Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bills 4511 and 4512, sponsored by state Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) and state Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), respectively. The bills clarify car safety seat standards, aligning Michigan statute with federal law and regulations.
“This legislation takes the necessary steps to ensure Michigan parents have clear, concise and verified information about car seat standards,” Rheingans said. “Today was a win for Michigan families and communities. As a parent, it is always my top priority to keep my daughter and all Michigan kids safe. This legislation will help to ensure that all kids have safe passage to school, pediatrician appointments, playgrounds or wherever they go.”
“Vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children,” Fitzgerald said. “Updating our child safety seat laws is crucial to ensuring our children and loved ones are traveling and seated safely no matter their age. Parents deserve factual, evidence-based information about car seat standards to help keep Michigan kids safe.”
The bills also modify penalties for failure to safely secure a child. The bills passed the House with bipartisan support and now go to the state Senate for consideration.