Radio Report: Robertson motion to bring police vehicular pursuit bill to House floor for a vote rejected

March 7, 2023

The chances of a police vehicular pursuit bill passing the state House of Representatives appear to be fading as majority Democrats rejected a motion Tuesday to bring the measure to the floor for a vote. John Sattgast report from the state Capitol.

SATTGAST: As the clock ticks closer to Wednesday's 5 p.m. cutoff to pass bills from their house of origin, Republican Representative Eric Robertson pleaded with lawmakers to unlock the police vehicular pursuit bill from the Rules Committee. Robertson motioned to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote.

ROBERTSON: “Madam Speaker, our entire state is experiencing an uptick in criminal activity. It's plagued our communities. And this piece of legislation will help curtail that.”

SATTGAST: Robertson said tragedies in communities across the state could have been prevented if law enforcement would have been able to pursue and stop the individuals involved.

ROBERTSON: “We received the most emails ever. It's important legislation that deserves the debate of this full House, Madam Speaker. The voices of our communities need to be heard.”

SATTGAST: The motion failed on a party-line vote, making it unlikely that the police vehicular pursuit measure, House Bill 1363, will advance this year from the House.

John Sattgast, the state Capitol