On Tuesday, May 29, Governor Ralph Northam signed Del. Eileen Filler-Corn's (D-41) car seat safety bill, HB 708. This law will prohibit child restraint devices (car seats) from being forward-facing until, at least, the child reaches two years of age or until the child reaches the minimum weight limit for a forward-facing child restraint device as prescribed by the manufacturer of the device. The bill will also expand the reasons that a physician may determine when it is impractical for a child to use a rear-facing child restraint system due to the child's height.
“My entire career has been focused on making people’s lives safer. This bill achieves that goal and it advocates for a group of vulnerable Virginians who cannot make decisions for themselves, Virginia’s infants and toddlers,” said Filler-Corn. “If we actually have data and statistics showing that rear-facing car seats can save lives and prevent injury, then as a member of the House of Delegates, I see it as our duty to pass legislation that will help ensure the safety of all our constituents, in this case, our most vulnerable constituents, our children.”
HB 708 passed out of the House and Senate with bipartisan support. It has a delayed enactment date of July 1, 2019.