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Committee advances bill allowing emergency UTVs and expanding ATV mileage for first responders
Summary
The House Transportation Committee adopted an amendment to House Bill 22 33 that lets emergency responders use utility-terrain vehicles meeting safety standards and raises permitted ATV mileage for first responders from 2 to 15 miles; the bill was reported out of committee.
The House Transportation Committee on a voice vote adopted an amendment to House Bill 22 33 that expands emergency responders’ ability to use off‑highway vehicles and reported the bill out of committee.
Representative Stanbaugh, who offered amendment A03685, said the change would ‘‘allow emergency responders to operate utility terrain vehicles commonly known as UTVs’’ when equipped with specified safety features and used while performing official duties. The amendment defines an emergency UTV by weight and equipment, requires lights, visible and audible signals, doors, a roll bar, seat belts and insurance parity with registered motor vehicles, and sets driver minimums including being 21 years old with a valid license.
The amendment also treats first‑responder ATVs differently from general public use: it raises the mileage limitation for an ATV operated as an emergency vehicle from 2 miles to 15 miles and allows UTVs broader roadway access except freeways. Stanbaugh said the change ‘‘will greatly benefit efforts to aid in our…life‑saving services in difficult to reach areas’’ and asked members for an affirmative vote.
Chairman Benninghoff supported the measure and described examples — including late‑night plane crash responses and remote rescues — where responders need more capable vehicles and shorter response times. After discussion about safety requirements (helmet and seat‑belt rules on higher‑speed roads and liability protections similar to ambulances), amendment A03685 was adopted and the committee voted to report House Bill 22 33 as amended.
The committee record shows the amendment was adopted and the bill reported; committee members said they expect additional conversations as the bill moves forward.
