4/19/05-A bill has died that sought to permit police to pull over drivers if someone in the vehicle is not buckled up.
HF1087, sponsored by Rep. Duke Powell, R-Burnsville, remained in the House Public Safety Policy and Finance Committee past the April 12 deadline for the panel to approve the bill. It previously passed the Transportation Committee.
Currently, police can issue seat-belt citations to drivers only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.
The bill also would have doubled the fine for not wearing a seat belt to $50. No points would be assessed against the driver’s license.

3/31/05-The House Transportation Committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill March 29 that would permit police to pull over drivers if someone in the vehicle is not buckled up.
Currently, police can issue seat-belt citations to drivers only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.
Sponsored by Rep. Duke Powell, R-Burnsville, the bill also would double the fine for not wearing a seat belt to $50. No points would be assessed against the driver’s license.
HF1087 now moves to the Public Safety Policy and Finance Committee. For House bill status, call (651) 296-6646.
A similar Senate bill – SF1070 – is before the full Senate awaiting consideration.