Item 2E: Ratification of IGR Actions

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"save gov jobs" issue, or "transparency in spending"..... Out of curiosity, who is requesting this bill be submitted? Thanks, GlenS HB 2038 Relating Clause: Use of mobile communication device while driving; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 811.507. Title: Prohibits person of any age from operating motor vehicle while using mobile communications device except under certain circumstances. Authorizes suspension of driving privileges for repeat offenses. LC # 1367. Sponsored by: House Committee on TRANSPORTATION URL: http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/hb2000.dir/hb2038.intro.pdf ContactRespondentDept Updated Priority Policy Poli Numb Recommendation Ellwood Cushman CMO-IGR 1/9/2009 Pri 2 Oppose Comments: "Priority 2 oppose as written; support if appropriately amended. First, the mandatory suspension for a second or subsequent conviction (Section 3 of the bill) is ridiculous. There are much more directly hazardous violations (such as disobeying traffic signals and stop signs, and speeding) which do not have a mandatory suspension component; to attach one to this behavior, is very bad policy, and that component makes this bill unacceptable. Further, Section 1(4) appears to make the violation a secondary offense if the driver is under 18 years of age, but not if the driver is 18 years of age or older. This is a really odd distinction. In our view, this entire paragraph should be deleted. If it is going to be against the law, it should be able to be enforced directly. In addition, rather than have a bill targeting wireless communication devices, we would rather have a bill which targets any form of distracted driving. There are other forms of distractions that drivers engage in while they are driving which are at least as hazardous as using a wireless communication device (such as reading newspapers and books, eating lunch, shaving, etc.). We would rather have legislation which targeted the variety of activities rather than focusing on just one of those activities. One other approach that could be considered is to use operation of a wireless device as an ""enhancement"" if the person is operating a wireless device and commits another violation or is involved in a traffic crash. For example, if the person disobeys a stop sign while talking on a cell phone, the penalty could be significantly enhanced. This would penalize those drivers whose behavior actually did create some type of traffic problem, without penalize those drivers who do so with relative safety." Eric Jones Eric Jones PW-ADM 1/14/2009 Comments: Defer to Police. (I do think this will be a hot topic.) HB 2040 Relating Clause: Use of mobile communication device while driving; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 811.507. Title: Prohibits person of any age from operating motor vehicle while using mobile communications device except under certain circumstances. Authorizes suspension of driving privileges for repeat offenses. LC # 1534. Sponsored by: House Committee on Transportation URL: http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/hb2000.dir/hb2040.intro.pdf ContactRespondentDept Updated Priority Policy Poli Numb Recommendation Ellwood Cushman CMO-IGR 1/9/2009 Pri 3 Monitor Comments: "Priority 3 - MONITOR We have mixed feelings about this bill. On one hand, it would arguably increase the safety of those employees operating roadside assistance vehicles (including ODOT employees) and