Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

House panel advances primary seat belt bill

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

A Minnesota House panel has approved a bill that would allow police to stop vehicles solely for seat belt violations.

The measure would make failure to wear a seat belt a primary offense, and would apply to anyone in a vehicle. Members of the Public Safety Finance Division advanced the bill today on a voice vote. Rep. Kim Norton, DFL-Rochester, says the legislation will save lives, prevent injuries and save money.

"It will reduce costs to the state through Medicaid, Medicare and hospital charges," Norton said. "We serve to gain $3.4 million in federal funds if and only if we pass it by July 30, 2009. That money disappears after this year. So, that's a one- time federal input of funds we can take advantage of."

Norton says discussions continue with law enforcement agencies to make sure a primary seat belt law would not result in racial profiling. The bill's next stop is the House Finance Committee.