Two bills in the Kentucky state Senate would address safety concerns on coal trucks in the state.

Freshman Democrat Ray Jones is pushing the bills. Three people near his home in Pike County have been killed in recent months when they ran into coal trucks with no rear underride guards, according to the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader.
One bill, SB 154, would give police more power to enforce underride guard regulations. It would set a $250 fine. Current law calls for a penalty of $25 to $200, but does not allow officers to put a truck out of service for not having an underride guard.
The other bill, SB 155, would set a $250 penalty for vehicles with missing, inoperable or obstructed lights and reflectors at $250. Current law calls for a $25 to $200 fine. This fine could be dismissed if the offender corrects the problem within 30 days.
Both bills won unanimous approval in the Senate Transportation Committee. They now go to the full Kentucky Senate for consideration.