Overreaching SB 37 Passes the House Despite Resistance from Limited Government Watchdogs

Harrisburg, PA- Although it might seem like roads would be safer under the amended version of Senate Bill 37, it would instead turn everyday drivers into lawbreakers with its burdensome provisions. The PA House passed SB 37 at a margin of 124-77, with all Freedom Caucus members dissenting, citing clear overreach and freedom-robbing mandates.

Senate Bill 37 would make it illegal to hold or support an interactive device while driving, citing transportation safety as the motive for the legislation. Even though ‘texting while driving,’ ‘reckless driving,’ and ‘distracted driving,’ are already roadway offenses in the state of Pennsylvania, this bill would seek to criminalize taking a hands-on emergency call and would mandate that parents attest that their child was educated on distracted driving material. Additionally, it would force police officers to limit enforcement action against drivers of color – discriminating against those who appear to be Caucasian.

Freedom Caucus Chairwoman Dawn Keefer (R-York) chimed in on the legislation, “this is a classic example of a well-intentioned bill that instead strips away personal liberties and sets up difficult and discriminatory cases for our law enforcement officers.” Imagine taking an emergency call with your kids screaming in the back seat only to get slapped with an offense as your electronic records are unjustly confiscated and searched.”

PA Freedom Caucus member, Joe Hamm (R- Sullivan, Lycoming) agreed, “we shouldn’t sacrifice the illusion of ultimate safety for the removal of our liberties,” he said. “This bill peels back freedoms, forces mandates on families, encourages police to discriminate, and subjects Pennsylvanians’ phone records to search and seizure without a warrant. The possibilities for abuse and oversight outweigh the prospect of safety with SB 37.”