The Portland Press Herald reports today that the Maine Senate voted 18 -17 in support of a bill that weakens Maine’s seat belt law. Under current laws, the police can stop someone when they see a person in the vehicle is not wearing a seat belt. Under the new proposal, the police could only act if the vehicle is stopped for some other purpose and the police notice that someone is not wearing a seat belt.
Knowing that wearing seat belts saves lives, what sense does it make to weaken this law? Why would someone even propose it?
State senator Ron Collins from Wells sponsored the bill because, he says, that he’s a “libertarian at heart” and believes that police shouldn’t have the right to stop folks for not wearing seat belts.
Oh, please — give me a break.
Just because he’s a “libertarian at heart” doesn’t mean he needs to propose legislation that was supported when it was proposed by AAA, the state Bureau of Highway Safety, and others in Maine. Legislation that saves lives and helps prevent serious injuries.
What’s next Sen. Collins? According to the Libertarian 2010 platform:
We favor the repeal of all laws creating “crimes” without
victims, such as the use of drugs for medicinal or recreational purposes.
Does that mean we can expect Sen. Ron Collins to support the repeal of all drug laws? While he’s at it, he could propose legalizing all forms of gambling and prostitution in Maine too.
From Sen. Bill Diamond: "He said the change in the law would cost the state money because the state would collect fewer fines — an estimated $1.35 million worth over the next two years.
"Let's not unravel a good system," he said.
Maybe the bill might not have passed if the Dems had shown that they cared about something other than the money…….
Posted by: Corrie | March 16, 2020 at 12:30 PM
There's outrage over this? Good for them, Maine is so nanny state and in your face about everything it's refreshing to see them bring some moderation to their constant meddling for once. Or do people really want things like the laughably horrible Sweepstakes Law that due to wrong wording made it so Mainers can't even use online coupons?
Posted by: Jeremy | March 29, 2020 at 10:32 PM
Hey,
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Thanks,
David Bailey
http://www.jrlaw.org/
Posted by: David Bailey | April 08, 2020 at 08:09 AM