Gillen Takes Aim At Counterfeit Car Seats In New Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Laura Gillen introduced a new piece of legislation Monday that would set aside $1.5 million for education surrounding the dangers posed by counterfeit car seats, co-sponsoring the bill with Northern Mariana Islands representative Kimberlyn King-Hinds. The bill, perhaps fittingly, is called the CAR SEAT act, an abbreviation for Child Automobile Restraint Safety Education and Training.

The bill, available to read in full here, would obligate the secretary of transportation to carry out an education program, “on the dangers associated with noncompliant or counterfeit child restraint systems, including car seats and booster seats, that do not meet Federal safety standards,” allocating $1.5 million to fund that program.

It would also amend the U.S. Code to mention that safety program, which Gillen said would allow states and local municipalities to access federal funding for public information purposes.

"As a mother, I know there is nothing more important than the safety of our children,” Gillen said. “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."

King-Hinds said the bill was of particular import to parents in her district, and would, “help keep children in our communities, and across the nation, safe on the road.”

“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,” King-Hinds said. “In the Northern Mariana Islands, where families rely on safe and reliable transportation every day, parents deserve confidence that the products they use meet federal safety standards. This effort strengthens education and awareness so we can help keep children in our communities, and across the nation, safe on the road.”

Congressional documents show that the bill has been referred to the congressional committee on transportation and infrastructure as well as the committee on energy and commerce.

Instructions from New York state on how to spot a counterfeit or noncompliant car seat can be found here.