Pryor seeks better accountability of scooters, more protections for children

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) has filed legislation to provide more protections for people who have property damaged by scooters and for children who are exposed to pornographic materials at school.

“Both of these proposals reflect concerns that have been generated in recent times,” Pryor said.  “In both cases, I want to make sure that those being impacted by wrongdoing are protected in every conceivable manner.”

HOUSE BILL 1036 would require the owners of scooter companies operating in Indiana to assume all liability for damages caused by the devices. It would require these companies to maintain liability insurance coverage to pay those damages. In addition, companies would be required to have a toll-free telephone number to respond to public concerns and complaints in a timely fashion.

“From the start, we have been behind the ball in addressing this new mode of transportation that has been introduced on the streets of Indiana,” Pryor said. “Already we have seen numerous accidents where people have been hurt and property has been damaged by scooters. These are safety issues that need to be addressed and the companies held fully accountable.

“If the companies that provide these devices are to be good citizens, then they must take responsibility in helping to solve the problems that are being caused by them,” she continued. “I am not seeking to ban these devices, but to ensure there is some accountability, just as we have for other modes of transportation. My legislation ensures companies live up to that responsibility, or pay a price (violation of the provisions would be considered a Class A misdemeanor).”

HOUSE BILL 1035 would require a person convicted of disseminating material harmful to minors to register as a sex offender if that person works at a child care facility or a school.

“Again, we have seen instances in the news recently where some in positions of authority have taken advantage of minors,” Pryor said.  “This type of conduct should not be tolerated in places like our schools, child care facilities, and other places where children should feel and be safe. I believe that requiring those convicted of these violations should register as a sex offender. It sends a clear message that they will pay for their conduct and it will not be used in a plea agreement.”

Pryor also announced that she has filed legislation to help prepare Indiana for the 2020 federal census. HOUSE BILL 1037 creates the Complete Count Commission to develop and assist a strategy to encourage full participation in the census.

“An accurate census will make sure that Indiana is treated fairly in everything from representation in Congress to levels of federal support for critical local projects that affect practically everything in our lives,” Pryor noted. “These are not things that should be put off until the last minute. Preparation is key and we need to be ready for the census now, not wait until 2020.”