Seat-belt legislation dies this year, too

The sponsor of Utah's perennial primary seat-belt bill has decided to pull the measure from debate this session, instead waiting until next year for possible action.

Rep. Richard Greenwood, R-Roy, said he is dropping HB87 because of a delay in the House Rules Committee and also because of a lack of support from representatives.

It's frustrating, he said, but even more, a sore spot with House leadership. He said he was asked to prioritize his bills, and he set the seat-belt bill as a top priority. Yet, the bill has been held in Rules since the start of the session.

"Even if I do not care for the issue, it doesn't mean it should be stifled," said Greenwood.

Under HB87, a motorist age 19 and older could be ticketed just for not wearing a seat belt — a primary offense. Current law makes not wearing a seat belt a secondary offense, so a person can only be ticketed if they commit some other violation first.

Last year, the seat-belt measure was approved by the Senate but died in the House on the last night of the legislative session.