Alabama Bill to Ban Kids From Riding in Pickup Truck Beds Stalls

The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday balked at a proposal to prohibit people under the age of 19 from riding in the back of pickup trucks.

Representatives carried the bill over without a vote after about two hours of debate on Thursday.

Bill sponsor Rep. Kerry Rich says the practice is dangerous. The Albertville Republican introduced the bill after a fatal accident last year in north Alabama. Four people were killed when a pickup truck carrying more than 10 children flipped.

However, lawmakers from rural areas spoke against the bill.

An existing law requires anyone under the age of 15 to wear a seatbelt while they’re riding in a vehicle.

Rich says it is likely too late to bring the bill back up this session.