Previous Story
House passes Senate bill to create fire lanes
The House of Representatives last week passed a Senate bill to establish designated fire lanes in the Commonwealth.
The bill, authored by Sen. Arnold I. Palacios (R-Saipan), cites the importance of providing unobstructed access to building or facilities to emergency vehicles and gives the commissioner of the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services the power to establish these lanes.
The bill sets fine for parking in a fire lane or failing to mark or maintain the mark of fire lane at not more than $150 per offense. Each day or part of a day during which the violation constitutes a separate offense.
In passing the bill last Thursday, the House tacked on one amendment, authored by Rep. George N. Camacho (R-Saipan), on a provision that establishes a “Fire Lane Revolving Fund” for fees and fines collected.
The amendment reads: “There is hereby established a Fire Lane Revolving Fund separate and apart from the general fund. The fines and fees collected pursuant to this chapter and any regulations promulgated by the Commissioner shall be deposited in the Fire Lane Revolving Fund; the funds shall be used for the purpose of establishing and maintaining fire lanes, the enforcement of this chapter and all operations and training of the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. The funds shall not lapse and shall be available without fiscal year limitation. The commissioner shall be the expenditure authority of the Fire Lane Revolving Fund.”
