5/23/05-A bill that sought to outlaw the use or sale of devices that can change some traffic signals from red to green has died.
HB1789, sponsored by Rep. John Aguilera, D-East Chicago, remained in the Senate Committee on Corrections, Criminal, and Civil Matters at the close of the session. It previously passed the House.
The bill was intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRTs.
The devices are designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
The bill called for violators to be fined up to $5,000 and/or one year in prison.

3/7/05-The House unanimously approved a bill that would outlaw the use or sale of devices that can change some traffic signals from red to green. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.
The devices are designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
HB1789, sponsored by Rep. John Aguilera, D-East Chicago, is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from using so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRTs.
The bill calls for violators to be fined up to $5,000 and/or one year in prison.
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.
For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.