senate Joint resolution NO. 24

INTRODUCED BY S. O'Brien

By Request of the ****

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF VEHICLE SAFETY ISSUES RELATED TO HEADLIGHTS.

WHEREAS, advancements in headlight technology have generally contributed to the safe operations of motor vehicles; and

WHEREAS, Montana highways are unique in their openness and low traffic volume; and

WHEREAS, maximizing visibility at the greatest possible distance may help reduce the number of serious traffic accidents and highway fatalities in Montana.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to study vehicle safety issues related to headlights.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study examine:

(1) emerging safety issues related to headlight design and use, including but not limited to:

(a) requiring the use of headlights during the day or during adverse weather;

(b) headlight design that impacts brightness and tint and the effects on:

(i) road and vehicle visibility and oncoming vehicles; and

(ii) the ability of drivers of oncoming vehicles to see; and

(c) modulating headlights on motorcycles;

(2) how other states have updated headlight laws to reflect technological changes and federal regulations; and

(3) any changes to Montana statutes related to headlights that would improve highway safety and save lives.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the committee request the participation of stakeholders in conducting the study, including the Motor Vehicle Division of the Department of Justice, state and local law enforcement, private organizations invested in improving traffic safety, and other interested parties as determined by the committee.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2022.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 68th Legislature.