STATEMENT TO

SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

SENATE, Nos. 2208, 1460, and 1463

with Senate Floor Amendments

(Proposed by Senator DIEGNAN)

ADOPTED: JUNE 30, 2021

      The Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Nos. 2208, 1460, and 1463 requires motorists to take certain safety precautions when they are overtaking pedestrians, bicyclists, or scooter riders on this State’s roadways. The committee substitute specifically requires motor vehicle operators to approach with due caution any pedestrian, bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, low-speed electric scooter, or other lawful personal conveyance on the roadways of this State.  The committee substitute requires the operator to make a lane change or follow the conveyance from a safe distance.  If these options are not available, the bills sets forth the circumstances under which the operator is authorized to pass the conveyance.   

      These Senate amendments narrow the scope of the personal conveyances to which the provisions of the bill apply to those located or operating in an area designated for pedestrians or personal conveyances, as appropriate. 

      These Senate amendments make the Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Nos. 2208, 1460, and 1463 identical to the Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Nos. 5570, 5571, 5579, and 5656.