S4045C

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring speed-limiting devices be installed on vehicles of reckless drivers, those facing license suspension, or those with multiple speed camera violations. The bill, S4045C, passed 44-15 on a roll call vote. Sponsor Sen. Gounardes modeled the measure on Leandra's Law, which mandates ignition locks for DWI offenders, and cited a March tragedy in Brooklyn where a driver with 90 violations—including 18 speed camera violations in one year—killed three pedestrians including 35-year-old Natasha Saada and her two daughters. "We can slow people down and keep people alive," Gounardes said. Sen. Chan voted in favor but raised concerns that speed camera violations are attributed to vehicles rather than drivers, making enforcement problematic. He suggested arrest and jail time might be more effective deterrents. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law. Fifteen senators, primarily Republicans, voted against the measure.