4/16/04-A bill that would create a primary law for seat-belt enforcement has died.
HB33, sponsored by Rep. Jodie Haydon, D-Bardstown, was still in the House Transportation Committee when the session ended April 13, effectively killing the bill for the year.
The bill would permit police to pull over drivers caught not wearing their seat belts.
Currently, police can ticket drivers only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.

1/9/04-Rep. Jodie Haydon, D-Bardstown, introduced a bill on the first day of the legislative session that would create a primary law for seat-belt enforcement.
HB33 would permit police to pull over drivers caught not wearing their seat belts.
Currently, police can ticket drivers only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.
If signed into law, the regulation would put the state in line for additional funding from the federal government.
An incentive program recently introduced in Congress encourages states to increase seat-belt enforcement. The program would give states three years to enact a primary seat-belt law or reach a rate of usage of at least 90 percent. Failure to do one or the other would result in a loss of up to 4 percent of federal highway funds to the state.
Kentucky is one of about 30 states without a primary seat-belt law.
The bill has been forwarded to the House Transportation Committee. For bill status, call (502) 564-1800. In Kentucky, call 1-866-301-9004.