SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Senate is endorsing a plan to require children to ride in rear-facing car seats until age 2.
The Senate Public Health Committee voted 7-0 Tuesday on Sen. Michael Hastings’ plan.
The Tinley Park Democrat says rear-facing restraints offer more protection for toddlers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says the seats better support a child’s head, neck and spine because the force of shell of the seat absorbs the force of collision and distributes it over the entire body.
First-time violators would receive a $75 fine. Democratic and Republican senators both questioned the fine and got assurances from Hastings that he would change first violations to a warning.
The bill is SB2441.
