State lawmakers are considering an expansion of the state's seat belt laws to include everyone riding in a vehicle.

The Public Health Committee unanimously advanced a bill that would require all backseat passengers to wear a seat belt.

Currently, state law requires only passengers under 16 years old sitting in a backseat to be wearing a seat belt.

The state health department estimates nearly half of the 270 fatal car crashes in Connecticut each year would be avoided if laws were tightened.