SSB 1025 – DOT officers designated as peace officers
SSB 1090 –Authorizing emergency vehicles
SSB 1148 –Wrecked or salvage vehicles
SSB 1179 – Distance requirements for electronically coordinated vehicles
SSB 1180 –Towable recreation vehicles
COMMITTEE ACTION:
SSB 1025 – DOT officers designated as peace officers
SSB 1025 repeals the July 1, 2019, sunset of provisions that allow traffic enforcement officers at the Iowa Department of Transportation to act as peace officers, and specifies their powers, duties and limitations.
[2/27: short form]
SSB 1090 –Authorizing emergency vehicles
SSB 1090 details the actions that may be taken by drivers of emergency vehicles responding to an emergency call. It permits driving on the shoulder, in the median and overtaking and passing other motorists. Additionally, it allows the vehicle to proceed through a red signal or stop sign after slowing as deemed reasonable for safe operation, and allows the vehicle to exceed the maximum speed limit as long as the driver does not recklessly endanger life. It provides that a certified firefighter, emergency medical care provider, peace officer or reserve officer who has completed certain training is immune from liability for any injury or loss unless they operated in a reckless manner.
[2/27: short form]
SSB 1148 –Wrecked or salvage vehicles
SSB 1148 increases the threshold to 70 percent of the fair market value for a vehicle to be considered wrecked or salvage. Currently, a wrecked or salvage vehicle is a damaged vehicle when the cost of repair exceeds 50 percent of the fair market value before it became damaged.
[2/27: short form (No: Whiting)]
SSB 1179 – Distance requirements for electronically coordinated vehicles
SSB 1179 Currently, the driver of a motor truck drawing on another vehicle outside a business or residential district is prohibited from following within 300 feet. The bill exempts the 300-feet provision for a sequence of two vehicles using technology and equipment that electronically coordinates the speed and brakes of the lead vehicle and the following vehicle. The vehicles are still prohibited from following more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed and conditions of the highway.
[2/27: short form]
SSB 1180 –Towable recreation vehicles
SSB 1180 creates a manufacturer-dealer agreement for non-motorized towable recreation vehicles and is outside the auto franchise section of the Code. It clarifies who is responsible when consumers have problems or need resolution on repairs or replacement.
[2/27: short form]