Panel approves bill allowing local social-service vehicles to use amber lights when responding to law-enforcement requests
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Summary
House Bill 1856 would add local Departments of Social Services vehicles to the list of vehicles authorized to operate amber lights when responding to requests for assistance from law-enforcement or emergency personnel. The subcommittee voted 8-0 to report the bill to full committee.
A House transportation subcommittee voted 8-0 to report House Bill 1856, which would authorize vehicles operated by local Departments of Social Services to use amber lights when responding to requests for assistance from law enforcement or emergency personnel.
Sponsor Delegate Arndt said the change amends the Code of Virginia to permit local DSS vehicles to display amber lights while responding to law-enforcement requests, a need his district's interstates create when social-services staff assist at crash or welfare-check scenes.
Major Ron Maxey of the Virginia State Police testified that the State Police has no position on the bill and that the agency is aware the Code already authorizes numerous vehicle types to use amber lights. Joanne Maxwell of the Virginia Department of Transportation likewise reported no issue with the change.
The subcommittee passed the bill 8-0; it will be scheduled for the full transportation committee next week.