NASHVILLE, TENN. — A fatal car accident involving a woman and her dog triggered new legislation in Tennessee aimed at keeping pets in the back seats of vehicles.

Some legislators have criticized House Bill 212 as over-reaching.

Animals secured in a harness, confined in a box or held by someone in the front passenger or rear seat would have been permitted. The legislation wants to levy a Class C misdemeanor for those drivers found guilty of allowing an unrestrained pet in the front seat of a vehicle.