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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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NEW LAW WILL SAVE LIVES
ST. PAUL A transportation policy bill (HF 3800/SF 3223) signed into law this weekend, makes Minnesota the 47th state in the nation to adopt a Graduated Drivers License (GDL) standard for new drivers. The GDL provision, authored by State Rep. Kim Norton (DFL Rochester), would give provisional licensees more time behind the wheel with fewer distractions. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in Minnesota.
"This law will save lives plain and simple," said Rep. Norton. "Forty-six other states with similar standards in place have already seen up to a 40 percent drop in teen driving deaths. By following suit, we can save the lives of teens and others on the road right here in Minnesota."
Norton's GDL standard would require the following:
· For the first 6 months, only one passenger under the age of 20 (who is not a family member) would be allowed in the vehicle;
· For the second 6 months, up to 3 non-family passengers would be allowed in the vehicle; and
· Hours of driving for provisional license holders would be restricted between midnight and 5:00 am, except to drive to work, school, or with a licensed driver over the age of 25.
The mountain of evidence supporting this legislation clearly shows that GDL is common sense, effective solution to a very serious problem a small effort that will go a long way in saving the lives of Minnesota teens in every corner of the state," says Norton.
Enacting the new GDL standard in Minnesota was a bipartisan effort but it wasn't without its challenges. Throughout the process and up until the final ours of session the idea met opposition from members of both parties, and tough questions from the governor's office. But after a number of hearings and some compromise, the facts supporting a GDL standard outweighed its criticism and the bill was passed on broad, bipartisan margins. It was signed into law on Friday.
"I am pleased that Governor Pawlenty signed this bill into law," said Norton. "By working together, we were able to enact a long-overdue standard that will protect teens and prevent unnecessary deaths on Minnesota roads."
Minnesota's GDL standard will go into effect August 1st of this year.
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- Its Time for Legislature to Get Back to Basics, Balance the Budget Honestly - (Posted: 2012-12-11 00:00:00)
- Second Saturday Coffee Meeting Date Changed to December 9 - (Posted: 2012-12-03 00:00:00)
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