Ga. House passes bill raising age for car seat

ATLANTA - Georgia parents may soon be required to use a car seat for their 7- and 8-year-old children.

A bill that raises the age for the use of child restraints from 6 to 8-years-old passed the Georgia House on Tuesday. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Alan Powell, a Republican from Hartwell, includes an exemption for children under 8 who are at least 4 feet, nine inches or 40 pounds.

The first violation would carry a fine of up to $50. A second violation has a fine of up to $100.

Critics said the legislation is a ``nanny bill'' and the state shouldn't tell parents how to raise children. Powell said the bill will help give parents safety guidelines and prevent severe injuries and deaths.

The measure got a 129-43 vote. The bill now goes to the Senate.