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For Immediate Release
7/7/06
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Pippy Bill to Aid Evacuations During Emergencies Signed Into Law

Emergency management authorities can waive commercial driver's license requirement.

Harrisburg – Legislation sponsored by Sen. John Pippy (R-37) to help communities evacuate more quickly in times of disaster emergencies has been signed into law.  

Act 61 of 2006 allows drivers with a Class C (passenger vehicle) license to operate a school bus or other commercial vehicle during a declared emergency without having to obtain a commercial driver's license.  

The measure, introduced by Senator Pippy in January as Senate Bill 1056, would be applied under the direction of authorized emergency management personnel in a time of a declared federal, state or local emergency.  

"Emergency management officials and policymakers learned a lot from Hurricane Katrina, including the fact that the failure to evacuate in a timely manner can lead to tragic consequences," said Pippy.  "This new law will help ensure that evacuations in Pennsylvania aren't delayed simply because a volunteer doesn't have the right license. We have to give local emergency management coordinators every possible tool to respond effectively to disasters. Enactment of this law is part of that effort."

CONTACT: Matt Campion (412) 262-2260