Posted 5/2/01 Seatbelt provision gets consideration By T.W. Budig ECM capitol reporter The Senate last Friday (April 27) adopted a primary seatbelt provision into its omnibus transportation and public safety finance bill. Sen. John Hottinger, DFL, Mankato, offered the amended explaining that primary seatbelt is supported by Gov. Ventura, and a host of law enforcement and healthcare associations. He also said the provision has seen wide support from black lawmakers throughout the country. Primary seatbelt has been one consideration in the debate on racial profiling. Primary seatbelt makes the nonwearing of seatbelts a primary offense ó one that a cop can pull a motorist over for. But Hottingerís amendment specifies that police cannot make an arrest as a result of primary seatbelt stop. ìAnd it will not be on your driving record,î said Hottinger of the $25 ticket. The law would apply to anyone in the front seat of a car and to those under the age of 18 in the backseat, with the driver getting the $25 tag for anyone under the age of 15 caught without a seatbelt. Passage of the legislation could save 51 lives a year, save $88 million in healthcare costs ó 85 percent of this paid by taxpayers ó and push seatbelt compliance up another 15 to 17 percent. Sen Lessard, Ind., International Falls, said the passage of such laws ìchiseled awayî at our constitutional rights ó but he supports wearing seatbelts, he said. Sen. Twyla Ring, DFL, North Branch, said the law could serve to serve to ensure her husband wore his seatbelt. ìIím going to get you,î she jokingly warned Ardell. The bill passed on a 32 to 30 vote. A House version of primary seatbelt remains in committee. ©Post Review