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Subcommittee tables bill on lighting and equipment for horse-drawn buggies after enforcement and rights concerns
Summary
House Bill 2143, proposed to require lights and additional safety equipment for animal‑drawn vehicles used by an Amish community, was laid on the table by a 5-1 vote after members raised enforcement, constitutional and equity concerns; state police described enforcement challenges.
The House Subcommittee on Highway Safety and Policy on Thursday voted 5-1 to lay on the table House Bill 2143, a measure requested by local law enforcement that would add lighting and other equipment requirements for animal‑drawn vehicles used by an Amish community in the sponsor’s district.
Delegate Zier, the bill’s patron, said the proposal was prompted by safety concerns after collisions in nearby counties and by the refusal of some community leaders to voluntarily install lights. “We had a meeting … and their answer was no, we are not going to put lights on our buggies,” Delegate Zier said, adding the community is led “by a bishop and leadership in Ohio.” The bill would require lights and other safety features to make buggies more visible on routes used by commercial vehicles.
Committee members raised questions about existing state code for vehicle lighting, religious freedom and enforcement logistics. Delegate Cohen noted that the current code already allows battery-operated lights or reflectors in lieu of lights and asked why the bill adds multiple new equipment requirements without penalties for noncompliance. She also asked how an enforcement action such as impounding would work without stranding children or family members traveling in a buggy.
Ron Maxey of the Virginia State Police told the committee his agency has “worked closely for several years with this community” and described enforcement as challenging when residents decline to comply. Maxey said some Amish communities use many lights on their buggies, while others resist electrical devices for religious reasons, and that local law enforcement and commonwealth’s attorneys have found enforcement difficult in some counties.
Several members urged more stakeholder engagement before the committee proceeds. Delegate McQuinn suggested inviting the county sheriff or Commonwealth’s Attorney to provide enforcement perspective. Delegate Anthony raised equity concerns about retrofitting equipment and moved to table the bill; the motion carried by roll call, 5-1.
The subcommittee did not adopt specific enforcement provisions, penalties, or a funding mechanism to assist with retrofits before tabling the bill. The committee encouraged the sponsor to consult further with the sheriff’s office, state police and affected communities to seek practicable solutions.
