Connecticut House Bill HB06269

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/17
• Refer: 1/20/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Use Of Seat Belts.

Impact

If enacted, HB06269 would directly influence state laws regarding motor vehicle safety regulations. The bill's implementation would mean that failure to comply with the seat belt requirement for back seat passengers could result in penalties for both the passengers and the drivers. This change could significantly increase awareness about safety practices in vehicles and potentially lead to decreased injury rates in accidents, as studies indicate that seat belt use is pivotal in mitigating injuries during crashes.

Summary

House Bill 06269, titled 'An Act Concerning The Use Of Seat Belts', aims to enhance passenger safety in motor vehicles by mandating the use of seat belts for back seat passengers. This legislation seeks to amend section 14-100a of the general statutes in the state, which currently may not require back seat passengers to wear seat belts while the vehicle is in operation. The main intent behind this bill is to improve the safety of individuals in the back seat, thereby reducing the risk of injury during vehicle accidents.

Contention

While proponents argue that the bill fosters a culture of safety and responsibility among all vehicle occupants, there may be opposition based on concerns about personal freedom and the perceived overreach of government regulations into personal choices. Critics may contend that enforcing seat belt use for back seat passengers could be seen as an unnecessary infringement on individual rights, especially if existing data does not conclusively demonstrate the need for such legislation. Therefore, discussions around the bill may center around the balance between public safety and personal liberties.