House panel advances primary seat belt bill
A Minnesota House panel has approved a bill that would allow police to stop vehicles solely for seat belt violations.
The measure would make failure to wear a seat belt a primary offense, and would apply to anyone in a vehicle. Members of the Public Safety Finance Division advanced the bill today on a voice vote. Rep. Kim Norton, DFL-Rochester, says the legislation will save lives, prevent injuries and save money.
"It will reduce costs to the state through Medicaid, Medicare and hospital charges," Norton said. "We serve to gain $3.4 million in federal funds if and only if we pass it by July 30, 2009. That money disappears after this year. So, that's a one- time federal input of funds we can take advantage of."
Norton says discussions continue with law enforcement agencies to make sure a primary seat belt law would not result in racial profiling. The bill's next stop is the House Finance Committee.
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