SB196 Summary

• Establishes the Marshall James Walton Highway Worker Safety Act, creating a new crime of endangerment of a highway worker in a construction zone.

• Defines endangerment offenses including exceeding posted speed limits by 15+ mph, failing to obey construction zone traffic control devices, driving in unauthorized lanes, assaulting workers, tampering with safety barriers, and committing related traffic violations in construction zones.

• Penalties vary by outcome: Class C misdemeanor with no injury, Class A misdemeanor if worker is injured, and Class C felony if worker death results from the offense.

• Provides defenses allowing acquittal if the act resulted from mechanical vehicle failure or negligence of another person or highway worker.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.