Highlites from the Senate

The speed limit bill passed the Senate this week after much discussion. This was a difficult bill to sort out because it actually did two things. First, it raised the speed limit on controlled access highways, and second, it raised the fines and court costs for traffic violations.

An amendment was offered on the floor that would have kept the speed limit at 65, but would have increased the fines. Although this amendment was defeated, I supported it for a number of reasons. I am concerned that as speeds increase, so will traffic deaths. Statistically, a large percentage of speeding violations occur within 10 or 12 miles of the freeway system. The speed increase will only intensify this problem. The non-controlled access roads will remain at 65, which will be confusing to motorists who may assume that all four lane roads will now be 70.

This bill is actually part of the budgeting process for 2006. The need to fund our courts is certainly real and if left undone, could lead to a law suit. The funding from increased fines would be used to replace Iowa’s outdated state patrol cars and help fund county courthouses, ensuring the courts continue operating in all 99 counties during regular business hours. It is my hope that by raising the fines, some drivers may be deterred from speeding.

I finally decided that if we were going to balance this budget and let those that do the crime pay the fine, I would vote for the bill. I will be watching the traffic fatality statistics down the road to see what effect, if any, this legislation will have.