AUGUSTA – A bill mandating the use of car booster safety seats for most children under 8 years old was given final legislative approval Tuesday and sent to Gov. Angus King for his signature.

The state Senate voted without a roll call to enact the bill, LD 1867, which was submitted by the state Health and Highway Safety bureaus.

If King signs it, the law will require children who weigh 40 to 80 pounds and are less than 8 years old to be secured in boosters, which are designed to make children’s lap and shoulder belts fit better.

The bill also requires children under 12 or under 100 pounds to sit in the rear seat of their car whenever possible.

If the bill is signed, the law likely will take effect sometime in July, 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.