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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Worries about keeping children secured in cars trumped states' rights concerns as the Utah House voted down a bill that would have relaxed requirements for some children in safety seats.
Lawmakers voted 47-24 against House Bill 113 Wednesday. The proposal would have let 5- to 8-year-old children forgo a safety seat in favor of a seat belt under certain conditions.
Under the measure from Provo Republican Rep. Chris Herrod, the vehicle would have had to be within four miles of the child's residence on a trip to church, school or a recreational activity. It also would have prohibited the vehicles from crossing streets with speed limits over 45 mph.
Lawmakers who voted against the bill raised concerns about dangers posed to children who aren't properly secured and difficulty in enforcing the new rules.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
