The Senate Public Safety Committee unanimously approved a do-pass motion for House Bill 77 (substitute LC 394665), which requires motorists on two-lane roads to pull over for funeral processions when led by law enforcement or when a funeral director marks the procession's beginning and end with flags or flashing lights.

Representative Franklin, who presented the bill, said the measure responded to safety concerns reported by sheriffs in his district and other parts of the state where deputies escort funeral processions. "So that's what this bill does. It requires, the ongoing traffic on 2 lane roads only," Representative Franklin said, explaining the bill's geographic limitation was intended to avoid creating traffic problems in higher-volume areas.

Franklin said he worked with the Georgia Motor Trucking Association to refine language and that the Motor Trucking Association and the state sheriffs' association endorsed the substitute language. Committee members discussed specifics of when the law takes effect and how a procession is marked; the presenter said the rule applies when led by law enforcement or when the funeral director displays a flag or flashing lights at the start and finish of the procession.

Senator Bearden asked whether the rule applies only when law enforcement leads the procession; Franklin replied it applies either when law enforcement leads or when a funeral director uses a flag or lights to designate the procession.

Members also discussed education and implementation steps. One member suggested following up with Shavonda Leslie at the Department of Driver Services to include the new requirement in driver education and renewal materials. Committee members noted that purple is commonly used for funeral procession flashing lights.

Senator Goodman moved to advance LC 394665; Senator Jackson seconded. The committee voted by voice and passed the bill unanimously. The committee chair indicated Senator Ray Williams would carry the bill.