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Standard-Examiner
After failing last year, a bill that would allow people to confidentially report to the state Driver License Division about potentially incompetent drivers passed the Senate on Friday.
Current law allows people to report drivers who may be a hazard on the road due to physical, mental or emotional conditions, age, or other factors, but the driver in question has the right to know who reported them.
Senate Bill 34, sponsored by Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden, allows for confidential reporting but also includes provisions that would penalize those making false claims for harassment purposes.
It also requires reports to be submitted in writing and notarized.
"We have a lot of bad drivers. This won't address them," Christensen said. "It only addresses those who are incapable of driving safely."
Opponents of the bill have argued that Senate Bill 34 unfairly targets senior citizens and denies people the right to face their accusers.
While the bill doesn't specifically target seniors, Christensen said they will be the group most affected.
"Most of the seniors police themselves very well," he said. "They know when to hang up the keys and give it up. But others refuse to say it's time, and they keep on driving."
The vote in the Senate was 20-9; it now goes to the House.
SB 34
Sponsored by: Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden
Confidentiality of Reports to Driver License Division -- This bill would modify the Impaired Persons Licensing Act by amending provisions relating to notifying the Driver License Division of an impairment. |
