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Senate committee advances bill to raise 'move‑over' fines after first‑responder near‑misses
Summary
A Senate committee approved House Bill 16‑89 to raise minimum penalties for failing to move over for emergency responders after testimony that vehicles passed inches from first responders at crash scenes. Sponsor said the change raises the minimum fine from $35 to $250 and the maximum to $1,000.
Senator Pietsch told the committee HB 16‑89 was prompted by a motor vehicle crash on Highway 62 at the Illinois River Bridge in which passing vehicles came “inches from hitting” law‑enforcement and first responders. The bill raises the minimum penalty for failing to move over from $35 to $250, with a $1,000 maximum, and makes a one‑line statutory change to increase the fines.
No members of the public signed up to testify for or against the bill. Following a brief floor motion, the committee approved the measure by voice vote. Senator Pietsch moved the bill and Senator Eads seconded; the chair called for the ayes and recorded support.
The sponsor said the existing law already directs drivers to move over but described the current $35 minimum as insufficient to deter dangerous passing at active emergency scenes. Committee members offered no substantive amendments to the text during the meeting.
