Current Legislation Initiatives

Legalization of Fireworks in Iowa:

The Iowa State Legislature has seen several bills over the last few years focused on legalizing the use of fireworks in Iowa. Safe Kids Greater Des Moines and Safe Kids Iowa are not in support of such legislation and have urged legislators to vote "No" on fireworks legalization.  On May 9th, 2017, the legalization of fireworks in Iowa was signed into law by Governor Terry Branstad. Click here to read the full bill.

Unfortunately, when fireworks are used incorrectly or illegally, the results can be devastating. Children younger than 15 account for 35% of fireworks injuries and there were 600 injuries to children under the age of 5 in 2014. Burns account for more than half of all fireworks injuries.

Shockingly, 1 in 4 injuries to children occurs to bystanders. Even if you do not allow your children to handle or touch fireworks, they can still be seriously hurt if they are around others who are using fireworks.

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Child Passenger Safety:

Motor vehicle crashes kill and injure more children in the United States and in Iowa than any other cause. In Iowa, approximately 40 children under the age of 16 are killed each year in motor vehicle crashes, which is equivalent to one child every 6 days. In addition, 7,905 more children are injured annually in motor vehicle crashes.

Iowa's Child Passenger Safety Law

  • Children must ride in an appropriate rear-facing child safety seat until one year of age AND at least 20 pounds.
  • Children must ride in a child safety seat or booster seat through the age of 5 years.  (Seats must be used in accordance with manufacturer's directions.)
  • Children ages 6 through 10 must ride in a booster seat or vehicle seat belt.
  • Rear seat occupants through age 17 must be secured by a vehicle seat belt.

If you would like more information on Iowa's Child Restraint Legislation, please call 515-241-3262 or log onto www.unitypoint.org/blankchildrens/child-passenger-safety.