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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 25, 2013 02:15 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Kevin J. Boyle |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Emergency Vehicle Designation for PPS Prisoner Transport Units |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that will designate Philadelphia Prison System prisoner transport units as emergency vehicles, which will allow them to utilize flashing lights and sirens. Current Pennsylvania law provides for emergency vehicle status by definition. It is important to note that among the enumerated list of emergency vehicles, prison transport units are not included. Additionally, Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes grants authority to the Pennsylvania State Police to designate certain automobiles as “emergency” based on need. However, the Pennsylvania State Police emergency designation does not allow them to be equipped with, or utilize a red and blue light combination. My legislation adds Philadelphia Prison System (PPS) prisoner transport units to the list of emergency vehicles in Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. Currently, prison transports are subjected to high volume traffic, which poses a risk when moving prisoners from location to location. Also, the complex infrastructure of the City of Philadelphia makes it necessary for prisoner transport units to have a clear path to facilities. Accordingly, granting PPS prisoner transport vehicles emergency status will allow them to operate using flashing lights which will reduce risks associated with prisoner transfer. Please join me in sponsoring this very important legislation. |
Introduced as HB1317