SB 1302 Summary

• Creates new offense for motor vehicle operators who knowingly, intentionally or recklessly operate within 3 feet of vulnerable users (pedestrians, cyclists, law enforcement, emergency responders, highway workers), classified as class 2 misdemeanor.

• Defines "vulnerable users of a public way" to include pedestrians, people on animals, and those operating bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, scooters, wheelchairs, and farm tractors without enclosed shells on public ways or shoulders.

• Prohibits motor vehicle operators from distracting vulnerable users for purposes of causing violence or injury, or forcing vulnerable users off public ways, crosswalks or highway shoulders except for public safety reasons.

• Requires enhanced sentencing when violations cause serious physical injury or death, including mandatory traffic safety course completion, 100-200 hours community restitution, and suspended fine up to $12,500 and one-year driving suspension that may be dismissed upon successful completion.

• Adds requirement to written accident reports documenting whether a cited offense contributed to serious physical injury or death of vulnerable users when a citation is issued.