House approves vehicle-impound measure for uninsured drivers after amendment debate

The House adopted legislation Tuesday intended to reduce the risk from uninsured motorists by authorizing law enforcement to remove identified uninsured vehicles from the road.

Sponsor Representative Bennion told members the bill "is an attempt to get uninsured motorist vehicles off the road once they have been identified through any type of other incident, traffic related" and described a local constituent case that prompted the proposal.

Floor debate centered on a series of amendments. Representative Dougal proposed what he described as a "friendly" amendment to close a drafting hole created by an earlier change; other members raised concerns about parts of the amendment that would require a person to swear or affirm in writing in the presence of a peace officer. Representative McCartney said adding a sworn statement requirement could unduly burden officers at accident scenes.

Supporters argued officers should have discretion and tools to remove uninsured vehicles while opponents warned of potential harm if vehicles properly insured were nevertheless towed because paper proof was not immediately available. Sponsor Bennion said the bill provides tools but also discretion and cited officer judgment in the field.

The House divided one amendment into two parts; items 1–5 of the amendment passed while items 6–8 failed. The chamber recorded 59 yes votes, 12 no votes and 4 absent; the bill passed the House and will be sent to the Senate for further action.

Representative Bennion summarized the sponsor position in summation: "This is just an additional tool for the officer in the field once a vehicle has been identified that it does not have insurance to be able to get it off the road," and urged support.