AUGUSTA – Most children under 8 years old will have to be secured in booster seats while riding on Maine highways if a bill that received overwhelming initial approval Thursday by Maine’s House becomes law.

After a debate sounding themes of state mandates versus child safety, representatives voted 106-32 to approve the bill, LD 1867, which faces further House and Senate votes.

“This isn’t about rights. This bill isn’t about power being taken away from us. This bill is about 4- to 8-year-olds,” said Rep. Glenys Lovett, R-Scarborough. “These booster seats have saved many lives.”

But Rep. G. Paul Waterhouse, R-Bridgton, said parents are able to make decisions about their children’s safety on their own.

“They don’t need our help,” said Waterhouse.

The bill would require children who weigh 40 to 80 pounds and less than 8 years old to be secured in boosters, which elevate them and are designed to make their lap and shoulder belts fit better.

The bill, which was submitted by the state bureaus of health and highway safety, also requires children under 12 or under 100 pounds to sit in the rear seat of their car whenever possible.

Exceptions would be allowed when a child is riding in a pickup truck, or when all of the back seat spaces are taken by younger children.

Health Director Dora Anne Mills, who was surprised by the margin of support in the House, said booster seats prevent serious head, neck and abdominal injuries.

Maine law already requires children under 4 to be secured in car safety seats. The law also requires all motorists, with a few exceptions, to be secured in safety belts.

The booster-seat legislation would impose the same fines as those imposed for violations of Maine’s car safety-seat law: $50 for the first offense, plus $13 in court costs.

There was no disagreement during the debate over whether booster seats are effective. Lawmakers were divided over whether the state should mandate their use or take an educational approach.

A version of the bill supported by a minority of members of the Transportation Committee sought the second alternative and would direct the state to apply for federal grants to pay for a promotional effort.

Supporters say booster seats cost $20-$35, and low-back styles are available for as little as $12. While some lawmakers said the cost can be a financial burden to some Maine parents, Mills said a loaner program would be established.

The Ford Motor Co.’s Boost America Program is working with the state Highway Safety Bureau and United Way of Maine to make 2,500 booster seats available for free to low-income Maine families, supporters said.