7/22/05-A bill that sought to create a primary law for seat-belt enforcement has died.
HB2340, sponsored by Delegate Corey Palumbo, D-Charleston, remained in the House Judiciary Committee at the deadline for bills to advance from the chamber, effectively killing it for the year.
Currently, police in the state can issue seat-belt citations to drivers only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.

3/4/05-Drivers caught not wearing their seat belts could be pulled over under legislation in the House Judiciary Committee.
Currently, police in the state can issue seat-belt citations to drivers only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.
HB2340, filed by Delegate Corey Palumbo, D-Charleston, would create a primary law for seat-belt enforcement.
While supporters of a primary seat-belt law sometimes point to federal money the state would lose for failing to scrap its secondary law, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says no direct grant funds are doled out for having a primary law.
However, there could be a financial perk for West Virginia to strengthen its law.
Dr. Jeffrey Runge, head of the NHTSA, said recently the federal government plans to offer a $17 million, one-time incentive to states that pass a primary law.
For House bill status, call (304) 340-3209. In West Virginia, call 1-877-565-3447.