HMB resident’s bill submitted to legislature

Eda Cook of Half Moon Bay and Scott Buschman of San Bruno were awarded co-winners of Assemblymember Jerry Hill’s "constituent legislative" contest for their proposals addressing the problem of spilled loads from trucks on highways and roads.  The idea was researched, received input from the California Highway Patrol, and submitted to the Office of Legislative Counsel where it was drafted before being introduced as Assembly Bill 1379 on February 27, 2009. 

AB 1379 does two things: 

1. Requires commercial trucks that are carrying open loads (no top / cover on the truck) to post the phone number of the company on the truck.  This will allow consumers to report any issues.

2.  Increases the base fine for spilled load violations.  Currently the base fine is around $35.  This bill would increase it to $50.  This should encourage people to make sure that their loads are secure before driving.

According to the California Highway Patrol, since 2003 there were over 7,000 collisions caused by spilled loads in California resulting in 10 fatalities. 

More than 70 constituents submitted ideas ranging from local fixes to statewide reforms. 

The contest winners will be able to testify in support of the legislation during committee hearings in Sacramento in the coming months.