The nanny state continues to grow. Each year the federal government offers bribes to states to do as the fed tells them and this year it is that all Ohioans must wear seat belts or the cash poor state of Ohio won't get the big bucks.
Cash-strapped states mull seat belt law changes
Drivers better buckle up or pay the price: More cash-strapped states want to give law enforcement officers the authority to pull over motorists just for not wearing their seat belts.
More than a dozen states that are considering making the switch to primary seat-belt enforcement laws need to do so before July to be eligible for millions in federal money.
One of those states is Ohio, which would get $26.8 million if it changes its law. Currently, officers in the state must first have some other reason to stop drivers over before issuing seat-belt citations.
States without primary seat-belt enforcement that want the federal money must pass a bill and have it signed by the governor by June 30 - and begin issuing citations by Sept. 30 - to qualify for federal funds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The federal money attached to seat-belt enforcement can only be spent for highway-related projects.
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Still, the proposed change faces obstacles in states like Ohio, where many Republicans - who control the Senate - oppose it because of libertarian philosophies.
"People ought to be able to decide whether they want to drive 75 mph without their belt on," said House Minority Leader Bill Batchelder, a Republican from Medina.
And some lawmakers are hesitant to hand police more authority to stop motorists, believing that would lead to violations of Fourth Amendment protections against illegal search and seizure, Batchelder said.
It is nice to hear the new Minority Leader in the House speak as a Republican should. The fact that he is a conservative makes it even better.
Bribe or no bribe, get government out of my life as much as possible.
