Highlights? Distracted driving fines, motorcycle safety and a fight to keep $50K in Pinal County
Rep. Teresa Martinez is navigating one of her busiest legislative sessions to date.
Maricopa’s Republican state representative told InMaricopa she has introduced at least 20 bills this session, the most in her five years at the Capitol. Her proposals focus on distracted driving, motorcycle safety and an emergency measure aimed at preserving money generated from Pinal County’s short-lived half-cent transportation tax.
“I’ve got a lot of irons in the fire, but I feel hopeful about a lot of them,” Martinez said.
She said three bills in particular stand out as ones she hopes will eventually reach the governor’s desk.
Increase distracted driving fines
Martinez said several of her bills have drawn bipartisan support, including House Bill 2109, which would increase penalties for distracted driving, particularly in situations involving motorcyclists. Current law fines drivers and riders $75 for recording themselves while driving.
“They are the No. 1 reason for accidents,” she said. “You would be surprised how many people film themselves or stream while they’re driving. It is crazy.”
Under HB 2109, the fine for a first offense would increase to $149 and rise to $400 for a second offense. An additional $150 fine would apply if the violation results in a collision with a motorcycle.
Motorcycle education investments
Martinez also introduced House Bill 2114, which would require the director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to use 75% of the state’s Motorcycle Safety Fund for voluntary motorcycle education, awareness and training. The remaining 25% would go toward scholarships for motorcycle education in rural or low-income areas.
It is not the first time Martinez has introduced legislation focused on motorcycle safety. Last year, she co-sponsored a bill to continue the Motorcycle Safety Fund after her son was hospitalized in a motorcycle crash.
That measure was signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs in May.
Saving Pinal County’s $50K
Martinez is also sponsoring House Bill 2106, which she said would preserve the remaining $50,000 from Pinal County’s former transportation tax.
The 2017 half-cent sales tax was expected to generate $600 million for county transportation projects. Its legality was later challenged by the Goldwater Institute, which argued it was “so complicated and confusing that nobody knows what is taxed and how.”
Martinez said the remaining funds could be diverted into the state’s general fund instead of reinvested locally. As an emergency measure, HB 2106 would keep the money earmarked for transportation projects in Pinal County.
“That’s the one that keeps me up at night,” Martinez said. “I hope I’m making the right decision.”
