CONCEPT DRAFT

SUMMARY

This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208.

This bill proposes to amend Public Law 2001, chapter 585 pertaining to the administration of child safety seat laws. The bill would remove the potential under current law for children to be denied access to state-contracted transportation services due to the inability of service providers to comply with the child safety seat requirements. Three circumstances would be addressed:

1. When a volunteer driver's vehicle can not accommodate an approved car seat or an appropriate car seat is not available;

2. When the passenger's unique requirements cause the use of an approved car seat to be impractical and potentially harmful; and

3. When the transportation provider's equipment must be replaced to comply with current law.

In addressing these circumstances, consideration would be given to allowable time frames for vehicle replacement, waivers for clients with special needs and access to financing to ensure the availability of appropriate vehicles and car seats.