Senate approves Bernardo-Mills Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Blake Stephens, R-Tahlequah, received Senate approval Wednesday for House Bill 2684, which establishes fines for those who endanger emergency workers by failing to slow down or move over for stopped emergency vehicles. The fine schedule is based on the structure of current state laws and penalties for exceeding the speed limit in a construction zone.

“Too often, our police officers, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck operators and other responders are put in harm’s way while responding to emergencies on Oklahoma’s roadways,” Stephens said. “We want to ensure they can do their job safely, and by drivers slowing down and being more attentive, we hope to see less accidents, injuries and deaths of our selfless first responders.”

Under the provisions of HB 2684, if a person is found guilty of endangering an emergency worker, they can face fines of $1,000 for their first offense, $2,500 for their second offense, $5,000 if they hit and injure an emergency worker and $10,000 if an emergency worker is killed as a result of the endangerment.

Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, is the House principal author of the bill.

“We want to do everything in our power to protect our first responders, second responders and emergency workers working on our highways,” Hays said. “The bill is named after John Mills, a tow truck driver from my House district who was killed working along Highway 69. I hope with the passage of this bill, it will encourage Oklahoma drivers to stay engaged and to pay better attention on our highways. I want to thank Senator Stephens for helping me run this bill to recognize John Mills' legacy.”

The measure has been sent back to the House for further consideration.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Blake Stephens at 405-521-5574, or email Blake.Stephens@oksenate.gov