Montana House Bill HB957

Montana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/23
• Refer: 3/28/23
• Refer: 3/30/23

Caption

Provide an appropriation for aerial enforcement of speeding laws on Highway 212

Impact

The implementation of HB 957 is expected to have a significant impact on traffic safety along U.S. Highway 212. By funding aerial enforcement tactics, the bill seeks to deter speeding, which has been a persistent issue on this highway. The aerial enforcement is envisioned as a modern approach to monitoring and enforcing speed limits, likely to increase compliance rates among drivers, thereby enhancing road safety and reducing the incidence of speeding-related accidents.

Summary

House Bill 957 aims to enhance the enforcement of speeding laws specifically on U.S. Highway 212 in Montana. The bill provides appropriations of $1 million from the general fund to the Department of Justice to support aerial enforcement initiatives by the highway patrol. Additionally, it allocates $3,000 for the Department of Transportation to install appropriate signage that notifies drivers of the aerial enforcement measures, thereby promoting awareness of the rigorous enforcement of speeding laws.

Contention

While proponents of HB 957 argue that this measure will improve public safety and reduce speeding, critics may raise concerns regarding the expenditure of public funds on aerial enforcement. Some may argue that such enforcement methods could be a misuse of taxpayer dollars or that they might not address the underlying causes of speeding behavior. Moreover, there could be debates about the fairness of monitoring drivers from the air versus traditional enforcement methods, with potential implications for civil liberties and privacy.