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Puppolo announces House passes legislation to require booster seats for older children

BOSTON Rep. Angelo J. Puppolo Jr. (D-Springfield) is pleased to announce that the House passed legislation recently that requires car booster seats for older children.

Under the bill, booster seats would be required for children until they are 8-years-old or 4 feet, 9 inches tall, whichever comes first. Right now, infants and small children in Massachusetts must ride in a car seat until they are at least five-years-old and weigh more than 40 pounds.

From ages five to 12, the law only requires a child to be fastened by a seat belt.

Advocates said that when children get too big for a car seat, they still should have booster seats until they turn eight. A booster seat raises its occupant to allow the child to safely wear an adult seat belt.

"This is a positive bill that will provide further safety for children. I am pleased to have supported this bill and advocated for its passage," stated Puppolo.

"With two young daughters, I know first hand the importance of passing measures that will increase safety of children riding in vehicles," he added.