Senate Bill 537 aims to enhance regulations surrounding airbags in motor vehicles by expanding prohibitions related to the sale and distribution of previously deployed, nonfunctional, and counterfeit airbags. The bill renumbers and amends existing statutes, specifically 347.475, to include new definitions for "nonfunctional airbag" and "counterfeit airbag," while also creating new sections that outline the penalties for violations. Under the proposed law, individuals are prohibited from importing, manufacturing, or offering for sale any previously deployed or nonfunctional airbags, with specific exceptions for certain transactions involving motor vehicles.

The bill retains the existing penalty of a $5,000 fine or up to one year of imprisonment for first offenses but introduces increased penalties for repeat offenses and those resulting in bodily harm or death. New classifications of felonies are established based on the severity of the violation, with a Class I felony for second or subsequent violations, a Class H felony for violations resulting in bodily harm, a Class G felony for great bodily harm, and a Class F felony for violations leading to death. This legislation aims to protect consumers and ensure the safety of motor vehicles by addressing the risks associated with nonfunctional and counterfeit airbags.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 347.475(2), 347.475, 347.50(2), 347.50