House kills bill requiring rear-facing car seats up to age 2

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The state House Transportation Committee has voted to kill a bill seeking to require toddlers to ride in rear-facing car seats until age 2.

Democratic Rep. John Ray Clemmons of Nashville said his bill would update current law that allows forward-facing car seats beginning at age 1 and would bring Tennessee up to date with recommendations of physicians and auto manufacturers.

The bill had passed the Senate unanimously and the House on a 68-19 vote before concerns about a booster seat provision caused it to be sent back to the committee.

Clemmons amended the bill to remove the language about requiring booster seats until age 12 unless a child is taller than 4 feet 9 inches. But the panel nevertheless voted 9-8 to study the matter after the Legislature adjourns.