5/17/04-A bill designed to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops has died.
HF2921, sponsored by Rep. Steve Strachan, R-Farmington, remained in the House Judiciary Policy and Finance Committee at the close of the session May 16, effectively killing it for the year.
Under the proposal, drivers would have been required to reduce speed when approaching an emergency vehicle parked by the road with their lights flashing. Violators could be fined in excess of $75.
In instances where an officer was unable to immediately pull over and ticket the offending driver, the bill authorized police to later locate and ticket the person within four hours of the offense.
The provision was added to a larger Senate transportation bill but it too failed to gain passage before lawmakers adjourned.