Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 13, 2015 04:11 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Kevin J. Boyle and Rep. John Taylor |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Emergency Vehicle Designation for PPS Prisoner Transport Units |
| In the near future, we plan to re-introduce legislation that would designate Philadelphia Prison System prisoner transport units as emergency vehicles, which would allow them to use flashing lights and sirens. This legislation was passed with bi-partisan support by the House (148-54) during the 2013-2014 Legislative Session. Prison transport units are not currently included among the list of emergency vehicles provided for under Pennsylvania law. While Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes grants authority to the Pennsylvania State Police to designate certain vehicles as “emergency” based on need, it does not allow them to be equipped with or use a red and blue light combination. Our legislation adds Philadelphia Prison System (PPS) prisoner transport units to the list of emergency vehicles enumerated in Title 75 (Vehicles). Prison transport units are subject to high volume traffic, which can pose a significant risk when moving prisoners from location to location. In addition, the complex infrastructure of the City of Philadelphia makes it imperative for prisoner transport units to have a clear path to different correctional facilities. Granting emergency status to PPS prisoner transport units would allow them to operate with flashing lights, thereby reducing the risks associated with prisoner transfers. Please join us in sponsoring this very important legislation. |
Introduced as HB898