On February 23, 2016 MACo Policy Analyst, Natasha Mehu testified to the House Judiciary Committee in support with amendments on HB 479, Vehicle Laws – Law Enforcement Transport Vehicles – Seat Belts.

HB 479 requires that emergency vehicles operated by law enforcement agencies to transport persons be equipped with a seat belt or safety restraining device approved by the local authority. The seat belts are required for each position in the vehicle a passenger can lawfully occupy.

MACo sought an amendment to ensure that transport vehicles are properly equipped with restraints in line with approved agency policies for use.

From the MACo testimony,

Many local law enforcement agencies have vehicles that are equipped with seat belts or safety restraining devices and have policies for their use. However not all vehicles are equipped with or designed for seatbelts and there may be situations where they are not feasible for the safety of the officer or passenger.

For more on 2016 MACo legislation, visit the Legislative Database.