NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal to increase the fine for not wearing a seat belt has failed this session.

Members of the House Transportation Committee voted 11-2 on Tuesday to defeat the measure. Earlier in the day, the companion bill passed the Senate Finance Committee 6-4.

Currently the penalty for not wearing a seat belt is $10. The legislation would have bumped the fine to $50.

Sponsors say the measure is simply to encourage people to buckle up.

But critics say individuals shouldn't be penalized for choosing not to wear a seat belt.