Arizona House Passes Controversial Bill to Limit Pedestrian Interactions on Roadways

By Daniel Stefanski |

The Arizona House of Representatives has taken significant strides in citizen safety by passing HB 2684, a bill aimed at reducing pedestrian-related accidents. This legislation targets high-risk areas, explicitly prohibiting pedestrians from congregating or soliciting in dangerous locations such as painted or raised medians and highway ramps.

State Representative Joseph Chaplik, the bill’s sponsor, highlighted the alarming statistic that Arizona has one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the nation. He emphasized the need for action, stating, “This law will prevent senseless tragedies by ensuring that pedestrians stay out of harm’s way, while also protecting drivers from the devastation of hitting someone in traffic.” Chaplik called the quest for public safety a common-sense issue that transcends partisan lines.

The bill outlines a progressive penalty structure for violations. Police will initially issue a warning for the first offense. A second violation will result in a civil traffic citation, and repeated offenses could lead to a class 1 misdemeanor charge.

Chaplik expressed hope for the bill’s future, noting adjustments made to the penalties based on previous concerns raised by Governor Katie Hobbs, who vetoed a similar proposal last year. “I hope she reconsiders and signs it into law this time,” he remarked.

Despite bipartisan support in the House Committee on Regulatory Oversight, where the bill was approved with a narrow 3-2 vote, opposition has emerged. Representatives from several organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona and the Arizona Coalition for Working Families, have voiced their concerns about the implications of the proposed law.

HB 2684 is now set to move to the Arizona Senate for further consideration. The ongoing debate surrounding this legislation illustrates the complexities involved in balancing public safety and individual rights.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.