5/22/08-A bill has died that sought to impose stiff penalties on truck drivers and companies for spilled steel coils. Trucking companies would have been required to certify that haulers know how to load steel coils properly.
Sponsored by Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood, HB69 was awaiting consideration on the Senate floor when the session ended, effectively killing it for the year. The House previously approved it.
The bill would have fined trucking companies up to $10,000 for not properly tying coils on the backs of trucks. Drivers would have faced up to $5,000 fines. Violators also would have faced up to one year in jail.
Alabama law now allows for fines up to $2,000, and 30 days in jail.
The state’s Department of Public Safety also would have been required to develop and publish proper load securement training standards. In addition, areas in the state identified as being prone to coil fall offs would have seen stepped up enforcement efforts.

5/19/08-The Senate Commerce, Transportation and Utilities Committee unanimously approved a bill that would impose stiff penalties on truck drivers and companies for spilled steel coils. Trucking companies would be required to certify that haulers know how to load steel coils properly.
Sponsored by Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood, HB69 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration. If approved there, it would head to Gov. Bob Riley’s desk. The House already endorsed it.
The bill would fine trucking companies up to $10,000 for not properly tying coils on the backs of trucks. Drivers would face up to $5,000 fines. Violators also would face up to one year in jail.
Alabama law now allows for fines up to $2,000, and 30 days in jail.
The state’s Department of Public Safety also would be required to develop and publish proper load securement training standards. In addition, areas in the state identified as being prone to coil fall offs would see stepped up enforcement efforts.
For bill status, call (334) 242-7627. In Alabama, call 1-800-499-3052.

2/22/08-The House unanimously approved a bill that would impose stiff penalties on truck drivers and companies for spilled steel coils. It’s been moved to the Senate.
Sponsored by Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood, HB69 would fine trucking companies up to $10,000 for not properly tying coils on the backs of trucks. Drivers would face up to $5,000 fines. Violators also would face up to one year in jail.
Alabama law now allows for fines up to $2,000, and 30 days in jail.
The bill also would require trucking companies to certify that haulers know how to load steel coils properly.
The state’s Department of Public Safety also would be required to develop and publish proper load securement training standards. In addition, areas in the state identified as being prone to coil fall offs would see stepped up enforcement efforts.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee in the Senate.
For bill status, call (334) 242-7627. In Alabama, call 1-800-499-3052.

12/6/07-Rep. Marc Keahey, D-Grove Hill, has prefiled a bill for consideration during the 2008 session that would raise the minimum amount of liability insurance that motorists must carry.
For the past eight years, drivers in Alabama have been required to carry liability insurance. The minimum amount has been set at $20,000 for a single injury or death, $40,000 for multiple injuries or deaths, and $10,000 for property damage.
HB15 would boost the requirements to $50,000 in coverage for a single injury or death, $100,000 for multiple injuries or deaths, and $20,000 for property damage.
Motorists would be required to comply with the new limits when they renew their current policies.
The bill is in the House Public Safety Committee awaiting consideration during the session that begins Feb. 5.
For House bill status, call (334) 242-7627. In Alabama, call 1-800-499-3052.
An identical Senate bill – SB4 – is awaiting consideration in the Senate Judiciary Committee.