Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I-Ballston) is a proud co-sponsor of several bills within a package of limousine safety bills that were passed by the Assembly today. The legislation was developed in response to the tragic limousine crash in Schoharie County on October 6, 2018. Twenty lives were lost that day. The limousine involved in the incident had previously failed multiple inspections. This package of bills will help ensure that passengers in limousines are protected.

The ten-bill package includes legislation that establishes a task force to evaluate limousine safety and reliability, requires drivers who are can carry nine or more passengers to be drug tested and limousines to be outfitted or retrofitted with seat belts. The safety package also allows the Department of Transportation to impound limousines that fail safety checks, creates a hotline for people to report any issues they experience with limousines and allows the Department of Motor Vehicles to check the driving records of limousine drivers every year.

“In October 2018, 20 lives were lost as a result of a horrifying, yet avoidable tragedy. I commend the family members of the loved ones who lost their lives in the devastating crash for their unwavering advocacy that has led us to an implementation of these necessary safeguards,” said Walsh. “Action on this legislation is long overdue, and I am pleased that we are moving forward to help ensure that a tragedy like the one we saw in Schoharie County never happens again.”