Whereas, in order to assist motor vehicle operators in determining when school zone speed limits are in effect and thereby ensure the safety of children around school, it is necessary that this bill take effect prior to the beginning of the school year; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §2074, sub-§1, ķA, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. B, §5, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:

A.__Fifteen miles per hour when passing a school:

(1)__During recess;

(2)__While children are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours;

(3)__When indicated by posted signs or flashing light signs erected for the purpose of regulating speed; or

(4)__At times and places as designated by the Department of Transportation or municipal ordinance;

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill requires a maximum rate of 15 miles per hour in a school zone when there are signs present indicating that the 15 miles per hour speed limit is in effect or as designated by the Department of Transportation or municipal ordinance.