ATLANTA (May 7, 2009) – Legislation that will greatly enhance road safety and build a trauma care system was signed into law by Governor Sonny Perdue Tuesday at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. Governor Perdue formally approved Georgia’s first “Super Speeder” bill seeking to reduce dangerous driving with hefty fines which will be utilized to fund a statewide trauma network. Sen Jack Murphy (R-Cumming), chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee, helped this measure pass through the legislature and views the increased fines as a strong tool to improve the quality of life in Georgia.
“I am honored to join Governor Perdue and the General Assembly in supporting solid legislation that greatly enhances the public’s safety and well being,” said Murphy. “The new speeding measure will effectively make our roads and highways safer by getting drivers to slow down and be more mindful of the speed limits. Dedicating the fees to trauma funding is a good first step in getting Georgians the proper trauma facilities they deserve.”
The new super speeder legislation will allow the Department of Driver’s Services (DDS) to impose and collect a $200 fine on drivers traveling over 85 miles per hour on all roads and highways and over 75 miles per hour on two-lane roads and highways. DDS will notify offenders within 30 days after receiving the qualifying ticket and notice of conviction. Failure to pay the $200 fee within 90 days will result in a suspension of the offender’s driver’s license.
The super speeder fines make up the Part II of House Bill 160 which takes effect January 1, 2010. The delay for this section of HB 160 was made to give law enforcement officials, local governments and citizens plenty of time to prepare for the new regulations. Part I of HB 160 increases several drivers’ license reinstatement fees and will begin July 1.
According to HB 160, all super speeder fees will be deposited in the state general fund to go towards trauma network funding, which are projected to total over $20 million annually. The Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services will separately account for all of the received fee money.
Governor Perdue also signed Senate Bill 69, which amends the child abuse reporting law to require mandatory reporting of all commercial sexually exploited minors as child sexual abuse. The current law only mandates a report of sexual abuse by a parent or caretaker, but legislative study committee findings noted that many adolescent girls are solicited by non-family members.
“I am committed to doing all I can to stop the horrible victimization of young boys and girls in Georgia and this legislation will protect innocent children and teens from abuse. It provides the resources necessary to combat these crimes much more effectively,” said Murphy. “It was imperative we acted this session to address these horrendous crimes taking place throughout Georgia and to protect our youth from future abuse.”
SB 69 became effective Tuesday with Governor Perdue’s signature.
Sen. Jack Murphy serves as the chairman of the Public Safety Committee. He represents the 27th Senate District, which includes portions of Cherokee and Forsyth counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.7127 or via e-mail at jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
May 8, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber,Director
Matt Colvin Communications Associate
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028