Des Moines, Iowa - State Representative Ro Foege of Linn supported a bill Monday evening to update the state's child safety seat laws. The new law requires children under the age of one and less than 20 pounds to be secured in a rear-facing car seat, children between one and six secured in a safety seat, and children between six and eleven secured in a safety seat or a seat belt.

"We haven't updated our child safety laws since 1985, so this bill is way past due," said Foege. "Iowa now has joined most other states in adopting child safety laws that will protect our children and save lives every year." 

Over the past several years, the child safety seat bill has undergone some changes, but was unable to make it out of both chambers of the Iowa Legislature until this year. The bill passed out of the Senate in February.

"This bill helps parents understand how to keep their children as safe as possible while traveling in motor vehicles," added Foege. "With so many different child restraint options and systems out there today, it can be confusing for parents who want to make the right decision. It's important for the State of Iowa to educate parents and families on how to keep their kids as safe as possible."

In addition to the child safety requirements, the bill also instructs the Iowa Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety to develop and implement and public awareness and education programs.

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Representative Ro Foege
State Capitol
Des Moines, IA 50309
ro.foege@legis.state.ia.us
www.rofoege.com
515/281-7328 Legislative Desk
319/895-6043 Home 

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