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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
04/24/2024 09:04 PM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20190&cosponId=29679
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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: May 29, 2019 03:29 PM
From: Representative Thomas L. Mehaffie, III
To: All House members
Subject: RADAR for Local Law Enforcement
 


As a former local elected official, I am well aware of the public safety hazards created by speeding motorists on local roads. After many, many years of debate, it is time to authorize local use of radar and LIDAR by municipal police giving localities the tools to effectively and safely enforce local speed limits. Interestingly, these tools are currently available to the PA State Police patrolling local roads.

In the near future, I will be introducing legislation mirroring Senator Scavello’s recently introduced Senate Bill 607. This legislation provides the broadest use of local radar -- by all police in all municipalities. Very similar legislation passed the Senate overwhelmingly in 2016 and again in 2017.

My bill:
  • Provides notice to residents by requiring passage of a local ordinance authorizing the use of radar and LIDAR in a community;
  • Provides notice to motorists by requiring signage to be placed within 500 feet of the municipal border on the main arteries entering a municipality;
  • Provides a 90-day period when only warnings can be given;
  • Limits conviction to speeds recorded in excess of 10 miles per hour over the speed limit or 6 miles per hour over on an interstate highway posted at 70 miles per hour;
  • Requires local police to complete approved training prior to using radar and LIDAR;
  • Provides that the primary use of speed-timing devices is traffic safety; and
  • Requires any revenue generated from speed enforcement citations in excess of 20% of a municipality’s total budget shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue for placement in the PA Motor License Fund.
I am an advocate for legislation that applies broadly because speeding impacts all municipalities. And, whether working full or part-time, in an accredited or un-accredited department, municipal police officers all receive the same training. Therefore, there is no reason to limit use of the best tools and most efficient technology to a very few departments. Finally, let’s all remember that those traveling in excess of the posted speed-limit are, in fact, violating the law.

Please join me by co-sponsoring this bill.


Introduced as HB1686