Committee hears bill to double fines for drivers who fail to yield to funeral processions

Senator Craig, sponsor of Senate Bill 97, told the Senate Transportation Committee that the bill would double fines for drivers who fail to yield to funeral processions.

“This legislation increases the penalty for drivers who do not allow traffic law do not follow traffic laws during a funeral procession,” Senator Craig said in sponsor testimony to Chair Patton, Vice Chair Schaeffer and other committee members. Craig said participants in a funeral procession “must have their headlights on and display a purple or white or orange, and white pendant attached to each vehicle to alert drivers of the funeral procession.”

In testimony, Craig said some drivers “do not obey this law and interrupt the procession,” causing disruption and potential harm. He cited a 2012 AAA report referenced in his testimony that, he said, found two people killed and 23 injured in funeral procession accidents nationwide; he also referenced a March 2018 set of accidents in Indiana that injured bystanders and motorcycle police escorts.

Ranking Member Antonio asked whether SB 97 had been introduced previously; Craig replied it was a reintroduction and that sponsors wanted to "get ahead of this" because of its importance. There was no committee vote during the hearing; Craig closed by offering to answer questions and thanking the committee for the opportunity to present sponsor testimony.

Why it matters: The bill targets drivers’ conduct around funeral processions, which sponsors described as a safety and dignity concern for families and first responders. The committee recorded the first hearing on SB 97 and left further action for a later date.

Minutes/administrative note: The committee approved minutes from 03/26/2025 at the start of the session with no objections.