Transportation Officials said proposed expansions to Kentucky’s “Slow Down, Move Over” law are one step closer to being codified but may face a new challenge.
A bill that would extend protection to motorists who are stranded on the side of the highway has passed the Kentucky House of Representatives. However, now in the Senate, House Bill 19 is facing some hurdles. Lori Weaver-Hawkins with AAA Blue Grass said the bill has had two amendments added to it by Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer. The first amendment changes the bill’s title, but the second attempts to squeeze in another bill.
“The second amendment is basically taking the language from a bill that he had sponsored that had passed the Senate, went over to the House where it has languished since the end of January. And so, he took the language from that bill, and made it into an amendment.,” said Weaver-Hawkins.
The amendment would prohibit closing Capital Avenue in Frankfort with exceptions for emergency personnel. Weaver-Hawkins said she is still optimistic the bill will pass this session but is unsure what the added language will mean for the future of the bill.
Currently, the state has protections in place for first responders and construction workers, but Weaver-Hawkins said civilians need protection as well.