The proposed bill, General Assembly Committee Bill No. 1146, aims to enhance child safety in motor vehicles by updating the regulations surrounding child restraint systems. Key changes include raising the age requirement for rear-facing child restraint systems from under two years to under three years, and establishing new weight thresholds for children under five and under eight years of age. Specifically, children under three years must ride rear-facing, while those under five but over three years can ride either rear-facing or forward-facing, provided they weigh less than forty pounds. Additionally, children under eight years must be secured in a child restraint system or booster seat that meets specific height and weight criteria as per the manufacturer's instructions.

The bill also introduces penalties for violations of these provisions, categorizing them as infractions or misdemeanors depending on the number of offenses. First-time offenders may have their fines waived if they provide proof of acquiring an appropriate child restraint system within fourteen days of the violation. Furthermore, individuals who commit first or second violations will be required to attend a child car seat safety course. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to ensure that children are transported safely in accordance with updated safety standards.