Capitol Dome to Home Gary Carlson
Statehouse: (515) 281-3221
[email protected]
State Representative
March 2nd Newsletter Capitol Update The Legislature has concluded the deadline for the first funnel. All House bills, with the exception of Appropriations (spending) or Ways & Means (taxes or fees) not being approved by their respective policy committees will become ineligible for further consideration. The House will now focus its attention on the surviving policy proposals. Legislation will be subjected to further deadlines as the session progresses. The House Transportation Committee, which I chair, approved two pieces of legislation, many District 91 constituents have asked me to support; the Hands Free bill (HSB 139) and the Bicycle Safety bill (HSB 130). Hands Free Bill (HSB 139): During the Governor’s Condition of the State address the use of technology while driving was identified as a major area of traffic safety concern. The Governor’s Office, both Chambers, and many interested community stakeholders have been collaborating to create thoughtful solutions regarding the use of technology while driving. HSB 139 provides clear definitions for electronic messages and electronic communication devices. Existing law is limited to the prohibition of text messaging while driving as a secondary offense. HSB 139 expands the relevant definitions to better account for how individuals use their technology with an aim to reduce distracted driving and promote public safety. The bill stipulates individuals can continue to utilize technology physically or electronically integrated into the vehicle. This exception allows individuals to continue to use built in GPS systems, Bluetooth technology, and other hands-free applications. It also makes a violation a primary offense, meaning law enforcement can stop a vehicle when a violation is noted. If passed into law, the bill instructs law enforcement officers to issue warnings until July 1st, 2018. The one-year warning process is similar to the driver communication and education process used with seatbelts became mandatory. After the one-year introduction, violations would result in a monetary fine. Bicycle Safety Bill (HSB 130): HSB 130 in an effort to promote public safety for motorists and bicyclists on public roads. HSB 130 increases the safety of bicyclists while requiring limited, yet impactful, changes on behalf of motorists. When coming upon bicyclists on the road, vehicles would be required to pass in the adjacent left lane and completely overtake the bicyclist before returning to the right lane. Additionally, to avoid vehicular log jams on 2 lane roads with sometimes lengthy no passing zones, vehicles will be allowed to pass bicycles in these zones. Modeled after Colorado law, with the significant speed differential, the sense is vehicle safety can be maintained while still improving bicycle safety.
Capitol Dome to Home Gary Carlson
Statehouse: (515) 281-3221
[email protected]
State Representative
While many of these changes are directed toward motorists, bicyclists will see changes too. Bicyclists will be required to operate functional front and rear lights between the hours of sunset until sunrise. The lights will increase the visibility of bicyclists and reduce dangerous encounters with motorists. Updates Several people have requested I keep the link to the Iowa Legislature website in my newsletter every week so they can learn more regarding bills I discuss or other bills they may have interest. The link is as follows: Iowa Legislature website Visitors
Members of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges visited. (Jim Noord, Ellen Kabat Leusch, Honey Bedell, Representative Carlson, and Wayne Merrel)
…Thanks to all that visited.
Capitol Dome to Home Gary Carlson State Representative
Statehouse: (515) 281-3221
[email protected]
Forum Schedule Muscatine Forum 9:00-10:30am, March 4th, 2017 Muscatine Community College, 152 Colorado St, Muscatine, IA 52761 Durant Forum 1:00-2:00pm, March 4th, 2017 Durant City Hall, 402 6th St, Durant, IA 52747
In the interim, if you would like to contact me regarding any matter, please email
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