Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Signs Booster Safety Bill to Protect Missouri Children
Enacts Legislation Allowing 16 Year Olds to Donate Blood, Measure to Support Kansas City Transportation Improvements
KANSAS CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt signed legislation today improving child safety when traveling, creating a regional compact with Kansas and allowing 16 year olds to donate blood.
Senate Bill 872, sponsored by Sen. Michael Gibbons, requires children of certain ages, weights and heights to be restrained by a child passenger restraint system, booster seat or safety belt. Under the new law children younger than four years old are required to use a child passenger restraint system. Children weighing less than 40 pounds, regardless of age, will also be required to use a child passenger restraint system appropriate for the child.
The bill requires children who are between four and seven years old, weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and who are less than four feet nine inches tall to be secured in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat. Children weighing at least 80 pounds or who are taller than four feet nine inches must be secured by a safety belt or booster seat appropriate for the child.
“I encourage all parents to think first and foremost about ensuring their child’s safety each and every time they get in the car,” Blunt said. “This new law will help protect our most vulnerable citizens and give their parents greater peace of mind while traveling.”
Blunt also signed Senate Bill 1197, sponsored by Sen. Charles Wheeler, allowing individuals who are 16 years old to donate blood after obtaining written permission or authorization from their parent or guardian.
Senate Bill 825, sponsored by Sen. Chris Koster, allows counties in the Kansas City Metro Area to work together to develop a regional transit system and levy a sales tax to cover the costs of these efforts, subject to voter approval. By addressing the transportation issue regionally and pooling resources to support resulting projects counties in both Missouri and Kansas should be able to develop a more comprehensive transit plan.
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