The bill amends existing laws regarding child safety restraint systems in motor vehicles, specifically focusing on the requirements for children under the age of two. It mandates that children younger than two years old or those who have not reached the maximum weight or height limits specified by the manufacturer must be secured in a rear-facing child safety restraint system. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a child safety restraint system should not be placed in front of an active airbag, ensuring the safety of young passengers.

Furthermore, the bill updates the age requirement for child passengers, changing the previous reference from "his ninth birthday" to "nine (9) years of age." It also specifies that if a vehicle has only one row of seats or if all safety belts in the back are occupied by other children, a child may be secured in the front seat, provided that the rear-facing child safety restraint system is not placed in front of an active airbag. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 31-5-1303