Bill > SB0199

This bill amends the Roadside Memorial Act to modify the duration of DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and fatal crash memorial markers. Previously, these markers were required to be maintained for at least 4 years from the date the last person was memorialized. The new legislation mandates that these markers be maintained permanently. The bill also clarifies the design and placement of these markers, which are intended to raise public awareness about traffic fatalities caused by reckless driving. For DUI memorial markers, the message will now read "Don't Drive Under the Influence" for markers erected after July 1, 2021, and families can request an additional panel with the victim's name and crash date. Similarly, fatal crash memorial markers will have messages like "Reckless Driving Costs Lives" or "Drive With Care" depending on the circumstances of the crash. The supporting jurisdiction retains the right to relocate markers due to various restrictions, and the Department of Transportation must secure municipal consent before placing markers within city limits. The markers can memorialize multiple victims from the same crash, and the associated fees will be determined by the supporting jurisdiction.