5/2/03-Legislation in the House to permit police to pull over drivers not buckled up is likely dead for the year.
H3100, sponsored by Rep. Joe E. Brown, D-Columbia, would create a primary law for seat belt enforcement.
Under current law, police cannot ticket drivers for seat belt violations unless the driver is pulled over for another traffic violation.
In the Palmetto State, most bills that haven’t received approval by either the House or Senate by May 1 stand little chance of passage in the current legislative term, although a committee recommendation and a two-thirds majority can put a bill back on track at any point.
Because this is the first in a two-year legislative cycle, all bills remaining in committee and those yet to be voted will carry to next year.

3/28/03-Legislation in the House would permit police to pull over drivers not buckled up.
H3100, sponsored by Rep. Joe E. Brown, D-Richland County, would create a primary law for seat belt enforcement.
Under current law, police cannot ticket drivers for seat belt violations unless the driver is pulled over for another traffic violation.
The measure forbids police to search vehicle occupants solely for a seat belt infraction. "A vehicle, driver, or occupant in a vehicle may not be searched solely because of a violation of this article," Lourie wrote.
It is in the House Education and Public Works Committee. A similar bill (HB3100) is awaiting debate on the House floor.
For bill status, call (803) 734-2010.

(Originally posted 3/6/03)