OOIDA’s State Watch – November 2018

Most state legislatures have wrapped up their work for this year. A special thanks to those of you who followed what took place in your state and tipped us off on initiatives you cared about.

Here’s our roundup of what governors signed into law in recent weeks and the latest activity on other notable efforts.

CALIFORNIA

Gov. Jerry Brown has signed into law a bill to extend for four more years a committee setup to assess the potential for using alternative funding methods to the state’s fuel tax. Previously SB1328, the new law permits the Road Usage Charge Technical Advisory Committee to continue working to assess revenue collection options that include a mileage-based system.

Another new law – AB1925 – requires the DMV to include at least one question about unsecured loads in at least 20 percent of written tests for people seeking to obtain or renew a driver’s license.

ILLINOIS

A new law soon will revise state statute forbidding police from going on ticket-writing sprees. State law has exempted from the rule municipalities with their own independent inspectors general and law enforcement review authorities. The distinction enabled the city of Chicago’s police department to potentially continue the ticketing practice. Previously SB3509, the new law rescinds the special treatment provided for police in the state’s largest city. The new law takes effect Jan. 1.

MICHIGAN

One bill nearing passage at the statehouse would more than double fines for bypassing a weigh station. State law now requires vehicles operating as commercial vehicles, including pickups and vans, to stop at weigh stations or scales. Drivers who do not stop at a weigh station or scale face a misdemeanor fine of up to $100 and/or up to 90 days in jail. HB5090 would classify the violation as a civil infraction. The distinction would increase the fine to as much as $250.

Pennsylvania

A bill sent to the governor’s desk would authorize speed cameras in active work zones on interstates and federal aid highways. Specifically, a five-year pilot program would permit automated enforcement cameras to detect drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by at least 11 mph when workers are present. Registered owners of vehicles found in violation would receive a written warning. Repeat offenders would face fines starting at $75.

SB172 also singles out a major roadway in Philadelphia for speed enforcement cameras. Specifically, the bill would authorize the use of ticket cameras along U.S. 1, or Roosevelt Boulevard, for five years. Violators exceeding the posted speed limit by at least 11 mph would face up to $150 fines. The Philadelphia City Council must adopt an ordinance to begin a pilot program.

Two bills of note are nearing passage. SB796 covers certain fees for CDL holders. Currently, truck drivers must pay at least $28.50 to get a new CDL to reflect a change of address. The bill would waive the fee for address changes that result from government action.

HB1811 would put into place restrictions on the state’s use of automated license plate readers. Pennsylvania law already permits police, as well as parking authorities and other entities not in law enforcement, access to the scanners. The bill would specify who can use plate readers, how data can be collected, and the length of time data can be kept.

Gov. Tom Wolf has signed into law a bill to boost fines for littering. State law has set fines for littering between $50 and $300. Repeat offenders face fines up to $1,000. Previously SB431, the new law requires an offender to pick up litter or illegally dumped trash for between five and 30 hours within six months. The violator also would pay the existing fine. The new law takes effect in late December. LL