Senate panel approves bill letting county sheriffs run limited radar; fines to fund driver education

Senator Mike Thompson told the committee that Senate Bill 2614 aims to reduce highway fatalities by giving county sheriffs a limited ability to operate radar on county roads. "We have the highest fatality rate in the nation at 24.9 deaths per 100,000 people," Thompson said, and he described the change as a safety measure rather than a revenue scheme. He said the bill limits radar by population (about 117 radars statewide; 67 counties would be allowed one; Harrison County would have five) and requires the county board of supervisors to vote to authorize radar use in that county.

Thompson also said revenues from speeding fines would be directed to the Mississippi Department of Education to fund driver's education. He repeatedly stressed the intent "This is not an effort for sheriffs to generate revenue. This is not an effort for sheriffs to run speed traps. This is an effort to try to enhance safety on our county roads." After questions about buffers, quotas and enforcement safeguards, the committee voted 'title sufficient, do pass' and the chair announced the ayes have it; the bill will move forward from committee.