A bill that that would mandate ice and snow removal from vehicles in Maine has been submitted by State Representative Dustin White, (R) Mars Hill.
The measure requires prior approval from the Legislative Council in order for a public hearing and full consideration by the Legislature. The Council is scheduled to meet Thursday, Feb 18.
At least eleven states have similar laws after several fatal accidents, including one that led to the 2002 passage of “Jessica’s Law” in New Hampshire. That law is named after Jessica Smith, who lost her life when a chunk of ice from a tractor-trailer hit the windshield of a box truck, causing it to swerve, and ultimately hitting her car.
Prior attempts to pass bipartisan legislation of this type in Maine have failed, most recently last session when a similar bill died in committee.
