SF 2250 – Updates definitions for vehicle recyclers
SF 2282 – Special license plate for Sullivan brothers’ award of valor
SF 2289 – Making texting while driving a primary offense
SF 2299 – Ignition Interlock for first time OWI
HF 2181 – Max weight for vehicle covered under Lemon Law
FLOOR ACTION:
SF 2282 provides for a special license plate for recipients of the Sullivan Brothers’ Award of Valor or their surviving spouse. The award goes to peace officers and firefighters who perform heroic acts in the line of duty. The Department of Transportation (DOT), in cooperation with the Commissioner of Public Safety, will design an emblem. The fee for issuance of the special plate is $25, and the annual renewal fee is $5. Both fees are in addition to the regular annual registration fee for the vehicle. The special plate fees will benefit the Special Olympics. The plates may be personalized, subject to additional fees. [3/10: 46-0 (Ernst, Greiner, Houser, Kapucian absent)]
SF 2289, as amended on the floor, makes texting while driving a primary offense by authorizing a peace officer to stop a person suspected of using an electronic communication device to compose, read or send an electronic message while driving unless the vehicle is at a complete stop off the traveled portion of the road. Currently, a violation is a secondary offense, meaning a driver can only be cited if they are stopped for another reason, such as speeding.
An “electronic message” includes texting, instant messaging, e-mail and surfing the web. A driver is permitted to use a navigation system and to make calls. A violation is a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a scheduled fine of $30 plus associated court cost and fees. An offense is a moving violation, meaning a driver will accrue points on their license. [3/11: 41-7 (Anderson, Behn, Chapman, Greiner, Guth, Sinclair, Zaun “no”; Ernst, Houser absent)]
SF 2299, as amended on the floor, makes changes to Iowa’s operating-while-intoxicated (OWI) law. Changes include:
• Giving first-time OWI offenders the choice to:
a. Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), get a temporary restricted license and drive immediately for any lawful purpose. Those who choose this option will get their fine cut in half.
b. Wait out their six-month driver’s license suspension and pay the full fine.
• Allowing second-time offenders to get an IID, get a temporary restricted license and drive immediately for any lawful purpose.
• Defining a “lockout.” A “lockout” is when the vehicle is disabled after three consecutive blows into an IID within 15 minutes that register a blood alcohol content above 0.04.
• Requiring no “lockouts” for the three months prior to getting the IID removed and full driving privileges reinstated. The time for having an IID will be extended indefinitely until the person achieves no lockouts for at least three months.
• DOT will adopt rules requiring IID providers to submit electronic reports on devices installed on the vehicles of those seeking license reinstatement, including instances of tampering, circumvention or removal. The reports must include detection of alcohol concentrations that would disable the vehicle.
• Certain driving restrictions are maintained for those whose licenses are revoked for third or subsequent OWI convictions, offenses involving a death and habitual offenders.
• Setting the rate that IID vendors can charge low-income offenders at $250 for six months. [3/11: 28-20 (party-line with McCoy voting “no” and Boettger, Breitbach, Zaun voting “yes”; Ernst, Houser absent)]
SF 2250, as amended on the floor, updates Iowa Code section 321.1 as it relates to the licensing of vehicle recyclers. The bill adds those who advertise their services to the definitions of used vehicle parts dealer, vehicle rebuilder and vehicle salvager. The bill adds insurance companies and mutual insurance associations to those who are exempt from being licensed as a vehicle recycler in order to carry out their business. [3/10: 46-0 (Ernst, Greiner, Houser, Kapucian absent)]
COMMITTEE ACTION
HF 2181 raises the upper weight limit for vehicles covered under the lemon law (Code chapter 322G) to 15,000 pounds. Currently, the law applies to motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds. The bill applies to motor vehicles originally purchased or leased on or after July 1, 2014. [3/10: 11-0 (Brase, McCoy absent)]