House Approves Ban on ‘Secret Compartments’ in Vehicles

Bill moves to Senate for vote

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Monday approved a bill to outlaw the use of “false or secret” compartments in vehicles.

The bill passed with a vote of 114-83, despite objections by critics who say the law is unnecessary and will result in unreasonable searches of innocent citizens.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Kate Harper, says the law will help crack down on the illegal trafficking of drugs, guns, money and even people.

If enacted, the law will ban any modification to a private vehicle that creates any enclosure outside the manufacturer’s original specifications.

The bill is on its way to the Senate for a vote.