Steel coil bill passes Ala. House

03/12/2009

By Dan Carsen

A bill that would regulate steel coil hauling in Alabama is a signature away from becoming law after the state House of Representatives passed it unanimously Tuesday.

“We’re glad the bill has finally passed after hard work by a lot of people,” says the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood. “I’m pleased we’ll have a strong law in place .... It’s a piece of the puzzle in keeping our roads safe.”

The bill, officially called “The Metal Coil Securement act of 2009,” passed the state Senate Feb. 17. It directs the Department of Public Safety to provide training certification and “aggressively” inspect coil-carrying trucks. It also establishes new, tougher penalties – including fines and jail time – for violations.

When asked if Governor Bob Riley favors the bill, spokesman Todd Stacy replied, “Absolutely. He’s been a proponent legislation to make our highways safer for years. This is a huge step forward regarding a problem that’s existed for a long time. The right legislation made it through.”

The bill will likely reach the Governor’s desk within 30 days.

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