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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 4, 2014 01:46 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | SafeRide Home Grant Pilot Program |
| I am reintroducing Senate Bill 311 which establishes a pilot program to provide safe transportation home to persons suspected of having a prohibited blood alcohol concentration. While the General Assembly has enacted numerous laws to crackdown on drunk driving, and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and municipal police have aggressively enforced the laws to prevent and deter drinking and driving, the statistics show that thousands of Pennsylvanians still get behind the wheel when they are intoxicated. According to 2012 Crash Facts and Statistics issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, 11,956 alcohol-related crashes occurred. This represents an increase from 2011 when 11,805 alcohol-related crashes happened. Alcohol-related deaths in 2012 were 31% of the total traffic deaths, nearly the same as in 2009, 2010 and 2011. PSP enforcement statistics for 2010 showed that DUI arrests (17,695) were up over 4% from 2009. A SafeRide Home Grant Pilot Program would represent another tool to combat drunk driving. The goal of the program is to provide an alternative means of transportation, thus decreasing the crashes, injuries and deaths that happen when an intoxicated patron attempts to drive home. Wisconsin passed a law in 1999 setting up a SafeRide program. An analysis in 2004 concluded that the program avoided alcohol-related crashes that would have resulted in over $1 million in economic loss. In addition, Aspen, Colorado has had a successful “Tipsy Taxi” program since 1983, which provides a free ride home for those who have no other way to avoid getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. It is a partnership between local law enforcement and the community to encourage residents and tourists to make correct choices. Under my legislation, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is authorized to establish and administer the SafeRide Home Grant Pilot Program beginning in FY 2015-2016 and continuing through FY 2017-2018. The program would fund local initiatives aimed at providing alternative means of transportation to intoxicated patrons from any premises licensed to sell alcohol beverages to their place of residence. The board may work in collaboration with private organizations to implement the program. The board may award grants to any county, municipality, university, or nonprofit corporation. The board shall set the maximum amount of any grant under this pilot program and it may not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the costs necessary to provide the services. The liability of a provider of a SafeRide Home program to persons transported under the program is limited to the amounts required for a motor vehicle liability insurance policy under 75 Pa.C.S Chapter 17 (relating to financial responsibility). The board shall develop and publicize an application procedure for those eligible to participate in the pilot program. In addition, the board shall monitor and evaluate the program and upon the conclusion of FY 2016-2017, present a report on the evaluation to the Law and Justice Committee of the Senate and the Liquor Control Committee of the House of Representatives and make any recommendations on the continuation, alteration or expansion of the program. This report shall be made no later than December 1, 2017. The SafeRide Home Grant Pilot Program will be funded by a $5 surcharge which shall be levied upon conviction of 75 Pa C.S §3802 (relating to driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances). The pilot program shall expire on July 1, 2018, unless otherwise extended by act of the General Assembly. |
Introduced as SB60