Super Speeder Bill Headed to Gov. Perdue’s Desk
The Georgia Senate passed HB 160 on Wednesday 42-10 and sent it to Gov. Sonny Perdue, who is expected to sign.
HB 160 is better known as the “super speeder” legislation that Perdue supported in previous sessions and wanted it to pass this year. Drivers traveling over 85 m.p.h. on a highway or over 75 m.p.h. on a two-lane road will have to pay a $200 fine to the state above and beyond any local fine.
The intention is to take this money, about $23 million annually, and dedicate it to funding a trauma care network. The Senate defeated an amendment to HB 160 from Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Atlanta) by a vote of 33-16. His amendment would have required the money to go to trauma care.
From the AJC:
“I feel very, very strongly that these funds should be earmarked, should be set aside, for trauma care,” Jones said.
Those opposed to the amendment said the Legislature cannot earmark the funds in this case, and such an amendment would make the bill unconstitutional. The bill can only place the money in the state’s general fund, they said. It would be up to the Legislature each year to spend that pot of money on trauma care.