Congresswoman Laura Gillen, Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, and Congressman Ryan Mackenzie introduced the Child Automobile Restraint Safety Education and Training (CAR SEAT) Act on Mar. 9. The bipartisan bill would require the Secretary of Transportation to start an education campaign about the dangers of noncompliant and counterfeit child restraint systems, such as car seats and booster seats. It would also allow states and local governments to use federal highway safety funds for public information efforts to help families recognize and avoid unsafe products.
The issue is important because noncompliant or counterfeit car seats can put children at risk due to poor construction or lack of proper testing. The proposed legislation aims to give parents better tools and information so they can make safer choices for their children.
“As a mother, I know there is nothing more important than the safety of our children,” said Rep. Gillen. “Noncompliant and counterfeit car seats put babies’ and children’s lives at risk due to improper testing, inadequate safety features and poor construction. This leaves our children vulnerable in the moments that matter most. This bipartisan bill ensures parents have the education and resources they need to identify and avoid these dangerous products and gives states the tools to keep every child safe on the road. Protecting our children is not optional and we must do everything we can to make sure every car seat is safe for them.”
Del. King-Hinds said, “I’m proud to join Congresswoman Gillen in introducing this bipartisan legislation to better protect children and give families the information they need to avoid counterfeit or unsafe car seats… This effort strengthens education and awareness so we can help keep children in our communities, and across the nation, safe on the road.”
Rep. Mackenzie added, “As a father of two young children, there is nothing more important to me than keeping our kids safe… Unfortunately, counterfeit and noncompliant products are making it harder for families to know whether the equipment they rely on is actually safe. This bipartisan effort will help educate parents and caregivers about how to identify dangerous products and avoid them so more children are properly protected every time they’re on the road.”
The CAR SEAT Act has received support from several organizations including Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Baby Safety Alliance, Consumer Federation of America, National Consumers League, and SafeKids Worldwide.
Gillen has been active in Congress advocating for stronger road safety measures as part of her broader strategy that includes enforcement efforts, safer infrastructure design, and preventing impaired driving.
