Jerry Brown approves new rules on child car seats

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Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation requiring workers to discuss child-safe car seats when releasing children from hospitals or other medical centers.

The governor’s office announced Brown’s signature on Monday.

State law requires the use of safety seats for children 8 years or younger, or less than 4 feet, 9 inches tall. So when a child meeting that description is discharged, workers will need to provide their parent or guardian with contact information for organizations that can help inspect and install child safety seats.

The bill (AB 1452) had bipartisan support among state lawmakers. The Senate approved the bill 31-6 on Aug. 9. The Assembly passed it 61-14 in April.

Assemblyman Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo), the bill’s sponsor, said too many parents don’t know how to properly install child safety seats.

‘It’s an easy way to save lives,’ he said.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed similar legislation in 2010.

‘While this additional requirement may not be burdensome on hospitals, it is simply unnecessary,” he wrote at the time. “Parents must take responsibility for the installation and use of child restraint systems.’

Hill said Brown’s signature shows he’s a ‘more thoughtful’ governor.

-- Chris Megerian in Sacramento

twitter.com/chrismegerian

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