Georgia lawmakers shelve bill to limit truck traffic

A group of Georgia state lawmakers have concerns about truck traffic in the state.

Democratic Sens. Donzella James of Atlanta, Harold Jones of Augusta, and Michael Rhett of Marietta introduced a bill on Wednesday to limit truck traffic on the state’s highways. About 24 hours later James announced the bill would be withdrawn from consideration.

SB23 called for prohibiting through truck traffic in the state. Truckers picking up or delivering loads would be exempt from the proposed ban.

Violators would face $1,000 fines and/or up to one year in jail.

The text of the bill to limit truck traffic reads: “Any vehicle suspected of being operated in violation of this chapter may be the subject of an inspection conducted by any law enforcement officer who has reason to believe such violation is occurring, without the necessity of obtaining a warrant to permit such inspection.”

Critics quickly questioned the constitutionality of such a ban.

James took to social media late Thursday to announce a reversal on continuing with the bill to limit truck traffic. Instead, she claimed “we have another way to address the problem which will not require any legislation.”

James’ office did not immediately return a call for comment from Land Line Magazine.

Land Line Now’s Mary McKenna contributed to this report.