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Seatbelt amendment defeated

April 2, 1997
By: Naomi Smith
State Capital Bureau The House voted down an amendment that would allow police officers to ticket automobile and truck drivers and front seat passengers not wearing seat belts. Naomi Smith has more from Jefferson City.

Even though Missouri law says drivers and front seat passengers must wear seat belts, police officers cannot pull drivers over if they don't wear seat belts.

Legislators tried to change that with a bill that would allow officers to ticket drivers and front seat passengers not wearing seat belts. The bill would also ban minors from riding in an unenclosed truck bed, but it was defeated.

Springfield Representative Craig Hosmer, who introduced the amendment, says the amendment didn't pass because there is a lack of trust in law enforcement.

Actuality:"investigate other crimes."
RunTime:
OutCue: Craig Hosmer
Contents: "I think with some people that voted against the bill there was sort of distrust of law enforcement. They think that law enforcement is going to use this primary enforcement to pull people over, stop people and to investigate other crimes.

Hosmer says seatbelt safety is an important issue, but legislators need more education about it.

From the state capitol, I'm Naomi Smith.