H.B. No. 536 Summary

• Makes failure to wear a seat belt (Section 4513.263) and failure to properly secure a child in a booster seat or occupant restraining device (Section 4511.81) primary offenses rather than secondary offenses, allowing law enforcement to stop and cite drivers solely for these violations.

• Establishes an occupant restraint safety course under Section 4510.312 consisting of 30 minutes of online instruction on seat belt laws and child restraint system importance; first-time offenders may complete this course instead of paying a fine.

• Requires law enforcement agencies to report seat belt and child restraint violations to the attorney general biannually, with the attorney general submitting annual reports to the governor and legislature detailing violation statistics.

• Modifies fine collection and distribution procedures to ensure fines for seat belt and child restraint violations are forwarded to the state treasurer for deposit into the trauma and emergency medical services fund.

• Takes effect 90 days after the bill's effective date.