The Augustan

Representatives Tim Driscoll (D-Westbrook) and Ann Peoples (D-Westbrook) supported LD 1948 yesterday.

The bill, according to the Maine Votes database, would require "the Secretary of State to conduct a hearing regarding all motor vehicle accidents involving a human fatality" (including accidents in 2007) and would require the Secretary of State "to submit its findings to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over transportation matters." Information "obtained at the hearing may be used by the Secretary of State to suspend or revoke the license of a driver involved int the accident." A person whose license had been suspended or revoked by the Secretary of State may appeal the decision to the Superior Court.

The Maine House of Representatives passed the legislation, 82-55. Eighty-four percent of House Democrats supported the bill, 10% of Democrats opposed the bill, and 5% of Democrats did not vote. Conversely, 10% of Republicans supported the bill, 74% of Republicans opposed it, and 15% did not vote. And finally, 50% of Independents opposed LD 1948 and 50% of Independents did not vote.

- John C.L. Morgan