STATEHOUSE (Feb. 21, 2018) — The House of Representatives supported legislation sponsored by State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) on Tuesday that would allow Hoosiers to voluntarily request free emissions tests on their vehicle from their local fire department.
Under this proposal, fire departments, including volunteer fire departments, would be able to provide free vehicular carbon monoxide testing to Hoosiers. This legislation, also known as “Savannah’s Law,” stems from the 2015 death of a Ben Davis High School student. Savannah Bettis was killed in a car crash resulting from the vehicle’s degraded exhaust system circulating carbon monoxide into the cabin. An odorless gas, carbon monoxide was able to reach dangerous concentration levels within the vehicle, incapacitating the pair. Bettis’ boyfriend, who was driving, survived the crash.
“Carbon monoxide is dangerous because most people are not aware they are even exposed to the deadly gas,” Burton said. “I used to be a mechanic, so I can typically spot when a car is not working properly. A few months ago, my wife and I were experiencing headaches while driving. After checking the car out, we found the catalytic converter had come loose and was leaking carbon monoxide into the cabin, and we were able to fix it. ‘Savannah’s Law’ will give Hoosiers more opportunities to ensure their vehicles are operating properly and help prevent future tragedies.”
Burton said the emissions test only takes 10 minutes and can save a life.
Senate Enrolled Act 100 is now eligible for action by the governor. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more.
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State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) represents a portion of Johnson County.
PICTURED: State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) presents “Savannah’s Law” on the House floor on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. This legislation, which would allow Hoosiers to voluntarily request free emissions tests on their vehicle from their local fire department, is now eligible for action by the governor.
