Delaware State News
DOVER — Two bills pertaining to ensured safety on Delaware roads were delayed until the very end of the legislative session on Tuesday night.
The first bill, House Bill 229, to ban the use of cell phones while driving, was never put on the agenda, effectively dying before any debate could ensue.
The second, House Bill 197, was one of the last bills of the session, being discussed for about 20 minutes around 12:30 a.m. It was approved in the House with a vote of 22 yes, 12 no, five not voting and two absent.
HB 197 would establish a two-year pilot program which authorizes any Delaware police agency to initiate camera and video enforcement of speed limits near work and school zones.
Similar to the red light cameras used upstate, the vehicle speed monitoring systems would produce recorded images of motor vehicles traveling at least 11 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
Two amendments were added to the bill. House Amendment 1 would limit the implementation of the bill to Wilmington and New Castle County. House Amendment 2 stated that the Department of Motor Vehicles could recoup the costs before disbursements of revenue are available.
Despite the bill’s approval, it was criticized.
Rep. William A. Oberle, R-Beechers Lot, claimed that the bill was solely a revenue generator.
"I have a real problem supporting this legislature because I don’t think the motivation is entirely safety-oriented," he said.
Rep. Helene M. Keeley, D-Wilmington, sponsored a similar bill in the past pertaining to red light cameras.
"[My bill] is the number-one reason I have complaints from my constituents," she said, offering a warning to the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Gerald L. Brady, D-Wilmington.
As the 2009 legislative session ended late Tuesday night, HB 229 will await its chance for debate in the Senate in 2010.
