The Kansas Senate has approved a bill

strengthening the state’s seat belt law.

Tuesday’s 26-14 vote sends the measure to the House.

The bill would allow law enforcement officers to stop a driver

solely for not wearing a seat belt. Under current law, an officer

must stop someone for another violation, such as speeding, before

issuing a seat belt citation.

The bill also would double the fine for not wearing a seat belt

to $60, starting June 30.

Also, anyone 14 or older in the car would have to wear seat

belts. Current law only requires adults in front seats to buckle

up.

Children under 14 are covered by a special child passenger

safety law.