Prohibits approval by the commissioner of motor vehicles of defensive driving courses or defensive driving programs conducted over the internet only

1 Co-sponsor

• John L. Sampson

BILL NUMBER:S382A

Title of bill

An act to amend chapter 751 of the laws of 2005, amend- ing the insurance law and the vehicle and traffic law relating to estab- lishing the accident prevention course internet technology pilot program, in relation to repealing such program

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would prohibit the commis- sioner's approval of defensive driving courses or defensive driving programs conducted over the internet only.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. States that the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not approve any defensive driving program or defensive driving course instructed only over the internet and shall require that a certified instructor be physically present for the instruction of such programs

Section 2 Repeals Article 12-C of the vehicle and traffic law.

Section 3 Provides that the commissioner of motor vehicles shall make any rule, regulation and/or repeal necessary for the implementation of this act prior to its effective date

Section 4. Effective date

Existing law

Article 12 C of the Vehicle and Traffic Law establishes the Accident Prevention Course Internet and Other Technology Pilot Program.

Justification

This legislation would instruct the commissioner of motor vehicles not to approve defensive driving programs taken over the internet. The commissioner would only approve courses where an instruc- tor is physically present. This bill would guarantee the proper iden- tification of people signing up for such courses. The physical presence of a certified instructor would also facilitate the clarification of any questions or issues rising from course content.

The State Senate provides its members and staff with the opportunity to attend the Defensive Driving Course. Successful completion of the course results in a reduction of the participant's insurance premiums. Success- ful completion of the course requires the participants to attend in person. It seems reasonable that if the State Senate requires in-person attendance of its employees, then State Statute should reflect that requirement as well.

Prior legislative history

2013: S.382 - Referred to Transportation 2012: S.290 - Referred to Transportation 2011: S.290 - Notice of Commit- tee Consideration Requested; Discharged from Transportation and Commit- ted to Insurance 2009-10: S.23172A - Amended and Recommitted to Transportation/A.324 - Enacting Clause Stricken

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall become law