State Senators block seat belt fine increase

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma Senate on Monday voted 25-21 against a bill to raise the fine for not wearing seat belts from $20 to $50.<br/><br/>Several senators said the measure was punitive and

Monday, March 13th 2006, 11:31 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma Senate on Monday voted 25-21 against a bill to raise the fine for not wearing seat belts from $20 to $50.

Several senators said the measure was punitive and did nothing to improve safety.

"I have a lot of people out there just trying to make a cornbread living, as we say back home ... and this bill gets pretty deep into their pocket," said Sen. Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo.

Sen. Earl Garrison, D-Muskogee, said the Oklahoma Municipal League requested the measure because the current $20 fine did not cover court costs.

Sen. Jim Wilson, D-Tahlequah, said he did not want to put another burden on citizens, but accidents causing death or serious injury invariably involve people who are not wearing seat belts.