Pittsburgh City Council Approves Bill Limiting Police Traffic Stops
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Changes are on the way for people who drive in the City of Pittsburgh.
City council members approved a bill, 8-1, that would stop officers from pulling drivers over for secondary violations.
Secondary violations are low-level offenses, such as tinted windows, burnt-out tail lights or a lack of inspection stickers.
The legislation will be implemented in 120 days, so it won't be in effect for around another four months.
The proponents of the bill say that currently, people of color and those living in poverty are disproportionately targeted for traffic stops.
Councilman Anthony Coghill said that there has not been enough input from the public, especially since no public hearing was held.
He voted no for that very reason.
Even council members who were on the fence until the very last minute, like Council President Theresa Kail-Smith, ultimately voted yes.
She was thinking about abstaining.
"If any bill ever screamed for public agenda, public process and a task force, it's this bill," she said. "It's any bills that relate to police because people feel very differently about it. And yet, we see a lot happening with the Black community being pulled over. We also see a lot more happening with our police officers. And I just want to make sure both sides -- that we're one team, not one, and that everyone feels safe and protected."
Mayor Ed Gainey and the public will be able to add their input to the legislation.