3/16/04-A bill that would outlaw unauthorized use of a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green has died.
The Senate failed to consider the measure before the regular session ended earlier this month. The bill previously passed the House 94-0.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
The bill intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using the so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRT.
Under HB1284, sponsored by Rep. John Aguilera, D-East Chicago, a person caught selling or using the device could face up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

3/5/04-The House unanimously approved a bill that would outlaw a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
The House voted 94-0 to advance the measure intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using the so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRT. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Under HB1284, sponsored by Rep. John Aguilera, D-East Chicago, a person caught selling or using the device could face up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.

1/23/04-Rep. John Aguilera, D-East Chicago, has introduced a measure intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using a device that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
Under HB1284, a person caught selling or using a Mobile Infrared Transmitter, or MIRT, could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
The devices, which sit on a vehicle’s dash, are not regulated by current federal standards because they rely on a beam of light instead of a radio wave to trigger the light-changing mechanisms that have been attached to some intersections.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach. The device has been in use at intersections since the early 1970s.
A recent U.S. Department of Transportation survey showed the devices are in use at 26,500 intersections in 78 cities across the country.
It has been forwarded to the House Committee on Roads and Transportation. For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.
A similar bill – SB217 – is in the Senate.