Senate Bill 151 Summary

• Amends IC 9-19-11 to create felony penalties for operating a motor vehicle with an improperly restrained child if an accident results in injury or death to the child.

• Makes it a Class D felony to knowingly or intentionally operate a motor vehicle with a child under 8 years of age who is not properly restrained by an approved child restraint system if the accident causes serious bodily injury to the child.

• Makes it a Class C felony if such an accident results in the death of the child.

• Creates the same Class D and Class C felony penalties for children ages 8-16 who are not properly restrained by a child restraint system or safety belt if an accident causes serious bodily injury or death.

• Provides a defense to felony prosecution if a physician, physician's assistant, or advanced practice nurse certifies that proper restraint would be impractical due to a child's physical or medical condition.

• Effective July 1, 2013.