Smith’s Bills Deal With Seatbelts, Vaping

Several bills, including ones dealing with seatbelts and vaping, are being worked on by State Rep. Frank Smith, D-Poplar, for the Montana legislative sessions that starts on Monday, Jan. 4.

Smith is seeking primary enforcement of seatbelt laws in the state. His proposal reads that a driver may not operate a motor vehicle upon a highway in the state unless each occupant of a designated seating position is wearing a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt.

“There are so many people hanging out of windows and dogs hanging out of windows,” Smith said of his concerns. “I’m seeing so many accidents with people not wearing seatbelts.”

Smith noted these accidents result in more Medicaid and Medicare payments.

“It’s the taxpayers’ money that I’m worrying about,” he said.

Regarding vaping, Smith wants it to be an offense for individuals under the age of 21.

“That would stop kids from going across the street and vaping,” Smith added.

Smith also feels the state needs to revise its procedures for selecting transportation commission members. He wants local people to decide representation on the board instead of the members being appointed by the governor.

He noted District 31 that he represents includes three reservations.

“We need someone with knowledge dealing with federal and tribal codes,” Smith said about the transportation commission. “I think I have good backing for that one.”

In a different bill, Smith seeks to require a placard of Country of Origin on beef or pork products.

“I believe people want to know where their food comes from,” Smith said.