The NMA continues to advocate for motorists’ rights at the national, state and local level. Legislatures across the country took up a broad range of motorists’ issues in the second half of 2014. Here’s a brief summary of the driving-related issues we addressed.
California
Opposed Assembly Bill 1646 which would add a violation point for texting or using a cell phone without a hands-free device while driving. The bill was vetoed by Gov. Brown.
Opposed Assembly Bill 2393 which would increase vehicle registration fees to fund the implementation of an automated fingerprint identification system. The bill was passed and signed into law by Gov. Brown.
Opposed Assembly Bill 2398 which would establish penalties for a driver convicted of causing bodily injury or great bodily injury to a “vulnerable road user,” defined as a pedestrian, a person on horseback, a person operating a bicycle, in-line skates, roller skates, a scooter, or a skateboard, and a person operating or using a farm tractor. The bill was vetoed by Gov. Brown.
Supported Senate Bill 1079 which would protect against potentially higher fuel costs by exempting suppliers of transportation fuel from having to purchase carbon allowances until 2021. The bill died in committee.
Opposed Senate Bill 1077 which would require various transportation agencies in the state to implement a pilot program designed to “explore various methods for using a mileage-based fee (MBF) to replace the state’s existing fuel excise tax.” The bill was passed and signed into law by Gov. Brown.
Opposed Senate Bill 1183 which would allow local jurisdictions to impose a $5 vehicle surcharge to fund the expansion of, and improvements to, bicycle trails and bicycle parking facilities. The bill was passed and signed into law by Gov. Brown.
Opposed Senate Bill 1151 which would enhance penalties for numerous infractions and misdemeanors committed in school zones. The bill was vetoed by Gov. Brown.
Illinois
Opposed efforts by the Will County Board to charge towing and storage fees to motorists who have not been found guilty of any crime or violation. The proposal is expected to be resolved in early 2015.
Missouri
Supported a ballot initiative in St. Charley County to ban red-light cameras throughout the county. The initiative passed with 73 percent of the vote, but towns within the county have fought back by filing a lawsuit against the county.
Ohio
Opposed Senate Bill 342 which was sold as a ban on ticket cameras but in reality would allow the cameras to still operate under certain conditions. The bill was passed and signed into law Gov. Kasich.
Pennsylvania
Supported petition efforts to urge the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to suspend approval of a wireless ENRADD (Electronic Non-Radar Detection Device) speed measurement device, pending a thorough technical and regulatory investigation over reliability and accuracy concerns.
Thanks to the many NMA members who volunteered their time to send emails, write letters, make phone calls, and work with policymakers and media outlets on these important issues. If you’re not signed up to receive legislative alerts but would like to, use the “Choose Your NMA E-Subscriptions” link in the sidebar of this email.