5/11/06-A bill that would have permitted police to pull over drivers who are not buckled up died in the House.
House lawmakers had narrowly approved an earlier version of the bill by a 33-32 vote in February that would have made failure to buckle up a primary offense. After the Senate amended the bill in March, House lawmakers had to sign off on the changes to clear the way for HB1125 to head to Gov. Bill Owens.
The final House vote was 32-32. It marks the second year in a row that a tie vote in the House killed the effort.
The Senate changes would have increased fines to $25 for adults and $75 for failure to secure a child. Another change would have allowed drivers with back problems to obtain a waiver with a release from a chiropractor.
Colorado law now allows police to fine violators $15.

3/13/06-Police would be permitted to pull over drivers who are not buckled up under a bill approved by the Senate.
Currently, police can issue seat-belt citations to drivers in the state only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding.
The Senate approved the bill after making two changes. The amendments force the bill – HB1125 – back to the House for another vote before it can be cleared to head to Gov. Bill Owens’ desk.
Colorado law allows police to fine violators $15. The amended version would increase fines to $25 for adults and $75 for failure to secure a child. Another change would allow drivers with back problems to obtain a waiver with a release from a chiropractor.
For bill status, call (303) 866-3055. In Colorado, call 1-800-811-7647.

3/9/06-The Senate Judiciary Committee voted March 6 to advance a bill that would permit police to pull over drivers who are not buckled up.
Currently, police can issue seat-belt citations to drivers in the state only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding.
HB1125 has been sent to the full Senate. It previously passed the House on a 33-32 vote.
For bill status, call (303) 866-3055. In Colorado, call 1-800-811-7647.

2/17/06-Police would be permitted to pull over drivers who are not buckled up under a bill narrowly approved by the House.
Currently, police can issue seat-belt citations to drivers in the state only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding.
The House voted 33-32 Feb. 15 to advance HB1125 to the Senate.
For bill status, call (303) 866-3055. In Colorado, call 1-800-811-7647.

2/2/06-The House Transportation and Energy Committee voted Feb. 1 to advance a bill that would permit police to pull over drivers who are not buckled up.
Currently, police can issue seat-belt citations to drivers in the state only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding.
Under HB1125, drivers found in violation would face a $15 fine. No points would be assessed against the drivers’ licenses.
The bill now heads to the full House for further consideration.
For bill status, call (303) 866-3055. In Colorado, call 1-800-811-7647.

1/19/06-A bill in the House Transportation and Energy Committee would permit police to pull over drivers who are not buckled up.
Currently, police can issue seat-belt citations to drivers only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation.
HB1125, sponsored by Rep. Fran Coleman, D-Denver, would make failure to buckle up a primary offense.
Drivers found in violation would face a $15 fine. No points would be assessed against the drivers’ licenses.
For bill status, call (303) 866-3055. In Colorado, call 1-800-811-7647.