SB 1084 - Child Restraint Systems

• Expands child restraint requirements to include children ages 5-7 who are under 4 feet 9 inches tall, requiring them to use appropriate child restraint systems in addition to the existing requirement for children under 5 years old

• Establishes new definition of "child restraint system" to include add-on systems, built-in systems, factory-installed systems, rear-facing systems, and booster seats as defined in federal regulations

• Maintains civil penalty of $50 for violations, with exemptions for emergency medical transport and vehicles with insufficient passenger space when at least one child is properly restrained

• Requires hospitals to provide parents with information about child restraint laws and loaner/rental programs available in their community before release of newborns

• Establishes child restraint fund from civil penalties and donations, capped at $20,000, to purchase and loan restraint systems to indigent families through responsible agencies