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Bismarck lawmaker introdues bill to stop minors from riding in open truck beds

A Bismarck legislator has introduced a bill designed to prohibit minors from riding in the open bed of a truck.

Sen. Diane Larson (R) said the bill was suggested by a Bismarck police officer.  She said the officer originally wanted to prohibit anyone from riding in the back of a pickup.

"He was very worried about the danger," Larson said. "There are certainly no seat belts."

Larson said the officer originally suggested that no one be allowed to ride in the back of a truck. But after talking with co-sponsors, she said the bill was limited to minors.

"He is worried about kids riding up and down main streets in the back of pickups," Larson said. "He said, 'I just fear we're going to have somebody dead pretty soon if we don't put a stop to this.'"

The bill would exempt juveniles doing farm work or riding in parades.