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Committee removes city doubling of traffic fines and votes 'do not pass' on speed‑limit bill as amended
Summary
Representative Mackey's bill to raise many speed‑zone fines and alter fines for high‑speed violations was amended today to repeal a statute permitting cities to double certain traffic fines. After debate, the committee voted 'do not pass' on the amended bill (6‑5‑3).
BISMARCK — The House Transportation Committee on Thursday debated a bill that would raise fines tied to speed‑zone brackets and add new higher penalties for excessive speeds. Committee members adopted an amendment to remove a separate statutory provision that had allowed cities to double traffic fines. After debate the committee voted to recommend a "do not pass" on the bill as amended.
Representative Mackey described House Bill 1366 as a proposal to increase fines for most speed zones below 65 mph — effectively raising state penalty rates and changing brackets for excessive speeds. A central policy question in the hearing was whether the statute that gives cities authority to double state traffic fines should remain; Mackey proposed an amendment to repeal that subsection, arguing cities would otherwise retain the ability to double again.
Representative Martin moved the amendment to repeal the subsection (40‑05‑06 subsection 2), which the committee adopted by voice vote after Representative Freilich seconded. Supporters of the change said the state should not allow a layered doubling by municipalities while opponents — including city representatives who had raised concerns — argued local control and revenue tools were important.
Later, Representative Johnson moved a do‑not‑pass recommendation on the amended bill; Representative Schatz seconded. Committee debate included concerns about increasing fines and the regressive impact on low‑income residents, questions about out‑of‑state drivers and points on licenses, and whether fines are the best deterrent compared with license points that affect insurance. After roll call the do‑not‑pass motion carried 6‑5‑3.
The committee therefore declined to advance the amended HB 1366. The committee recorded the amendment to repeal the cities' doubling authority as taken and recorded the do‑not‑pass vote as the committee's recommendation.
Sources: Committee hearing and roll calls recorded in the Transportation Committee transcript.
