A bill sponsored by Councilmember Will Jawando and co-sponsored by Councilmember Kristin Mink to limit traffic stops in Montgomery County will be introduced to the council Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Bill 12-23, known as The Safety and Traffic Equity in Policing (STEP) Act, would prevent a police officer from conducting a traffic stop for numerous offenses under the Maryland Vehicle Law, such as licensing or registration, window tinting and defective headlights or tail lights, among other violations.
The STEP Act would also “…prohibit consent searches of a vehicle by a police officer; require the collection of data and information related to traffic stops; exclude the limitations on traffic stops from collective bargaining; and generally amend the County law regarding motor vehicle traffic policing,” according to the agenda item.
Additionally, officers would no longer be able to stop individuals who were suspected of jaywalking, or crossing the street without a crosswalk or walk signal.
A public hearing for the bill is scheduled for June 19 and the Public Safety Commission will hold a work session on July 17.
After a 2021 Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO) report detailed the racial disparities tied to traffic stops, the STEP Act was intended to promote fairness and safety. Limiting traffic stops and working on community policing relationships could help lessen community trauma, according to the bill, as well as advance the county’s Vision Zero Plan.
The Vision Zero plan implemented resources to promote pedestrian safety and eliminate fatal collisions for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians by the end of 2030.
Some users on Twitter expressed their safety concerns and grievances with the bill ahead of the public hearing, questioning how the legislation would work alongside Council President Evan Glass’ Safe Streets Act of 2023 announced Monday, Feb. 27.
