IT’S DO OR DIE ON SINE DIE – MARYLAND LEGISLATORS WRAP UP 

2017 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Mixed Results For Traffic Safety Legislation, With Many Bills Still Pending

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 10, 2017) –– As Maryland legislators try to wrap up the 2017 Legislative Session by 11:59 p.m. tonight, AAA Mid-Atlantic is reflecting on the past 90 days and how the legislative decisions made during this session will impact motorists’ safety on Maryland roads.

Issues AAA Mid-Atlantic advocated for or against and the status of the legislation include:

Legalization of Recreational Marijuana

If passed, SB 928/HB 1185 – Criminal Law – Cannabis – Legalization, will allow Maryland to join the eight states in our country that permit the legal use of marijuana for recreational purposes. At the moment, the bill is still awaiting a committee vote, which is good news to AAA. The auto club was a vocal opponent in Annapolis strongly urging lawmakers to put public safety before tax revenue.

“We strongly believe that before Maryland considers legalizing recreational marijuana, the state should seriously consider the traffic safety consequences of such action, and further study the very real impact recreational marijuana could have on the safety of our roadways,” said John B. Townsend II, Manager of Public and Government Affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic. “A vote to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Maryland is also a vote for more injury and death on our roadways."

Tow Trucks Use of HOV Lanes

Another bill still pending a final vote is HB 889 Vehicle Laws - HOV Lanes - Tow Trucks. The bill is expected to receive a final vote in the Senate on Monday, which includes an amendment that must also be approved by the House. If passed, this piece of legislation will allow tow trucks to be driven in high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes while responding to a call for service, regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle. With the exception of buses, motorcycles, and plug-in electric vehicles with permits, current law does not permit vehicles with less than one passenger in HOV lanes.  

“Passage of this bill will benefit, and even help protect, all stranded motorists needing a tow truck,” said Townsend. “Granting access to HOV lanes to tow truck providers, when responding to a call, could help them come to the aid of disabled motorists quicker, thus reducing congestion and the dangers motorists face when they are stuck on the side of the roadway.”

Drunk and Drugged Driving

HB 371 Vehicle Laws – Drunk and Drugged Driving – Subsequent Offenders (Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act of 2017), which was introduced at the request of Governor Larry Hogan, has passed with amendments to remove the felony provision, but keeps the 10 year maximum penalty in place. The Senate version of the bill, SB 312, passed the Senate with amendments to add punitive damages onto the bill.

With final approval, this legislation will increase the penalties for those repeat impaired driving offenders, who have been previously convicted of three or more alcohol or drugged driving-related offenses. The legislation also increases penalties for those who have been previously convicted of vehicular homicide, manslaughter, or causing a life-threatening injury by motor vehicle or vessel. A repeat offender under this law would be guilty of a felony and upon conviction would be subject to imprisonment for up to 10 years.

“AAA supports increased penalties for those who violate the rules of the road repeatedly and endanger the lives of others. We are hopeful that increased penalties and more jail time could serve as a deterrent for these repeat offenders,” said Townsend.

Other Key Bills of Interest

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and nearly 78,000 members in the District of Columbia.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit  https://aaa.com