Mississippi House Bill HB109

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/24
• Refer: 1/17/24
• Failed: 3/5/24

Caption

"Mason Wilbanks Emergency Personnel Observation Memorial Law"; designate provision requiring right-of-way observance for emergency vehicles as.

Impact

The law reaffirms existing traffic regulations while promoting public awareness regarding the importance of yielding to emergency vehicles. This measure is expected to have a positive impact on road safety, potentially reducing the number of accidents involving emergency personnel. The bill also updates terminology and clarifies the responsibilities of drivers when encountering emergency situations, enhancing the existing legal framework around right-of-way observations.

Summary

House Bill 109 seeks to amend Section 63-3-809 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, designating it as the 'Mason Wilbanks Emergency Personnel Observation Memorial Law.' The legislation specifically requires operators of motor vehicles to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles, emergency personnel, and mail carriers when they are giving audible or visual signals. This aims to enhance safety on the roads and ensure a quicker response for emergency services.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward in its intentions, discussions surrounding HB109 may highlight differing perspectives on road safety and emergency response protocols. There may be debates concerning the effectiveness of existing traffic laws and the need for additional measures to enforce compliance among drivers. Some stakeholders may question whether educational campaigns or additional training on right-of-way laws would complement the legislative changes effectively.