SB 352 -- EMERGENCY VEHICLES

SPONSOR:  Clemens (Ruzicka)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
General Laws by a vote of 7 to 0.

Currently, drivers must yield the right-of-way upon the immediate
approach of certain emergency vehicles with an audible siren or
with at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light visible under
normal atomospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet.  This
bill adds any vehicle operated by a conservation agent as an
emergency vehicle for which drivers must yield the right-of-way.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that reviews by the Department of
Conservation's legal staff indicate its vehicles are emergency
vehicles if acting in an official capacity.  The bill clarifies
that the department vehicles are emergency vehicles.
Conservation officials who operate the vehicles are fully
commissioned peace officers that often serve as a county sheriff
or deputy sheriff's only backup.  Allowing their classification
as emergency vehicles also reduces the state's risk of liability.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Clemens; and Department of
Conservation.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:22 am