Panel advances bill directing motorists to pull over for rural funeral processions

Representative Lehman presented House Bill 77 to the Senate Public Safety Committee as a public-safety measure to protect funeral processions on rural two-lane roads. The bill would require motorists approaching a procession from the opposite direction to pull over to the roadside and wait until the procession passes; processions would be marked by flashing lights on the lead and trailing vehicles. Commercial trucks would be exempt from leaving the roadway when roadside conditions make it hazardous.

Why it matters: Supporters, including the Georgia Sheriffs' Association and trucking and funeral-industry groups, said the measure addresses rising safety incidents involving vehicles entering opposing traffic to pass processions. Proponents told the committee that the bill clarifies where a procession begins and ends and gives law enforcement practical authority to keep processions safe.

Lehman recounted concerns from sheriffs and deputies who observed motorists driving into opposing lanes during processions, saying some motorcyclists were nearly struck. "They explained that it was... getting worse and worse and something needed to happen," he told the committee. The sponsor said the bill simply requires motorists on two-lane roads to pull over and wait and that commercial drivers should use discretion when moving off-road would be unsafe.

With no public testimony and no further committee questions, a senator moved to pass the bill; the committee voted 'aye' and forwarded House Bill 77 to the Senate Rules Committee.