The Senate approved Senate Bill 21-83, which increases fines for speeding in work zones and removes the requirement that workers be physically present at the time of the violation in order for the offense to be enforced.

Senator Rummel, sponsor from the Transportation Committee, said the current fine of $80 "is not working as a deterrent anymore" and that higher penalties may change driver behavior and reduce crashes. He cited crash statistics in work zones over recent years and told members the increase would be $150 for 1–10 mph over the limit and an added $2 per mile over above that threshold.

Committee discussion included concerns about long stretches of posted work zones with no active work (questions from Senator Lueck) and contractor input about attempting to tailor signage when work is not actively occurring. Rummel said contractors and the Association of General Contractors participated in committee discussion and the committee considered potential mitigations; the bill does not require contractors to change signage but committee staff discussed potential operational adjustments.

Senator Lee offered floor support referencing a message from a construction safety manager urging passage "because it will better protect their employees." The secretary reported the final tally as 41 ayes, 6 nays, 0 absent; the bill passed.

Why it matters: the change is targeted at reducing crashes and injuries in work zones by increasing financial penalties and enabling enforcement even when workers are not immediately visible, aiming to protect highway construction crews and motorists.

Next steps: the bill returns to the House or to enrolled status per legislative process; enforcement responsibility will remain with law enforcement agencies and likely involve rule or practice adjustments by contractors and project managers.