Legislative News

Legislative News

http://www.whotv.com/news/who-story-traffic-ban-bill-020212,0,6258074.story

TRAFFIC CAMERAS: An Iowa House committee has approved a bill to ban traffic cameras in the state

 
Staff Writer
 
3:12 p.m. CST, February 2, 2012
A bill that would ban red light and speed cameras is closer to becoming law.

The Iowa House Transportation Committee voted Thursday afternoon to pass House File 2048 by a vote of 15-6. The bill would make it illegal for communities to use red light and speed cameras to issue tickets. The bill now moves on to the full House for debate.

Currently, Iowa doesn't have laws on the books regulating the cameras, generally leaving their use to the discretion of individual communities. Eight Iowa cities now use red-light cameras, speeding cameras or both.

In the metro, Des Moines and Clive have used the cameras and Windsor Heights plans to install them in two locations on I-235.
Copyright © 2012, WHO-TV
who-story-traffic-ban-bill-020212

Legislative News

BREAKING NEWS!  TN SPEED SCAMERA BAN BILL INTRODUCED!

Ban the Cams note:  (While IL Gov Quinn is buying the "line" of the scamera side).

OTHER STATES ARE STARTING TO SEE SPEED SCAMERAS as the SCAM they are, and are pushing to BAN THEM.

THANKS TO KILL TN TRAFFIC CAMERAS FOR SHARING THIS!!!!!!

 http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB3768&GA=107

HB 3768 by *Campbell ( *SB 3750 by *Kelsey)
Traffic Safety - As introduced, prohibits a state or local governing body from installing or maintaining surveillance cameras to enforce speed limits after July 1, 2012. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 8.

Actions Taken on HB3768:  Filed for intro. 01/31/2012 
 

Actions Taken on SB3750:   P2C, ref. to S. T&S Comm. 02/01/2012 
                                                   Intro., P1C. 01/30/2012 
                                                    Filed for intro. 01/26/2012

Legislative News

http://www.stopbigbrothermd.org/2012/01/legislation-to-end-workerless-workzone.html

Saturday, January 28, 2012
Legislation to End Workerless Workzone Cameras Reintroduced

Legislation has been introduced to the general assembly which would remove a provision of state law which currently allows freeway "workzone" speed monitoring systems to be used "regardless of whether workers are present".  The proposed legislation (Senate Bill 57 http://mlis.state.md.us/2012rs/billfile/sb0057.htm   and House Bill 326 http://mlis.state.md.us/2012rs/billfile/hb0326.htm) would allow the cameras only when a worker is present on the roadway, median divider, or shoulder within or adjacent to the work zone. 

The proposed legislation was introduced last year as Senate Bill 30 and was championed by Senator Jim Brochin.  The bill was killed in committee.  This year the legislation is being sponsored by Senators Brochin(D, District 42), Jacobs(R, District 34), Kittleman(R, District 9), and Stone(R, District 6), and in the house by a bipartisan group of 46 lawmakers : Delegates Frank (R, District 42), Aumann (R, District 42), Bates (R, District 9A), Beitzel(R, District 1A), Boteler(D, District 8), Bromwell(R, District 8), Cluster(R, District 8), Conaway(D, District 40), DeBoy(D, District 12A), Dwyer(R, District 31 ), Eckardt(R, District 37B ), Elliott(R, District 4B ), Fisher(R, District 27B), George(R, District 30), Glass(R, District 34A), Guzzone(D, District 13), Hogan(R, District 3A), Hough(3B, District 3B), Impallaria(R, District 7), Jacobs(R, District 36), Kach(R, District 5B), Kelly(D, District 1B), Kipke(R, District 31), McConkey(R, District 33A), McDermott(R, District 38B), McDonough(R, District 7), Miller(R, District 9A), Minnick(D, District 6), Mitchell(D, District 44), Morhaim(D, District 11), Myers(R, District 1C), Norman(R, District 35A), Olszewski(D, District 6), Otto(R, 38A), Parrott(R, District 2B), Ready(R, District 5A), Robinson(D, District 40), Schuh(R, District 31), Schulz(R, District 4A), Serafini(R, District 2A), Smigiel(R, District 36), Stocksdale(R, District 5A), Szeliga(7, District 7), Vitale(R, District 33A), Weir(D, District 6), Wood(D, District 29A).

The current wording of state law permits citations to be issued on interstate highways in 'workerless' work zones where no actual work has been taking place for an indefinite period of time.  Some workzones have reduced speed limits, even when no work is taking place and all lanes are wide open and un-obstructed.  Data from the SHA website shows that the 'SafeZones' program has issued approximately 849,442 citations as of 1/24/2012, with cameras now deployed on most of the major interstate highways in the state.  Many of those $33million worth of citations were issued when no workers were present and no work taking place.

The SHA had previously written two reports showing how other types of speed control, "speed display trailers" http://www.marylandroads.com/OOTS/03Speed%20DisplayTrailer.pdf and "Portable Changeable Message Signs with Speed Display" http://www.marylandroads.com/OOTS/02PCMR.pdf were extremely effective at reducing average traffic speeds in work zones.... producing average speed reductions of 2-7mph and 5.6-7.9MPH respectively.  This is as good if not better than the speed reductions the SHA has claimed were produced by speed monitoring systems, yet the use of such relatively inexpensive traffic engineering solutions was NOT made standard by the SHA in workzones where speed monitoring systems are NOT in use.

And why should other traffic engineering solutions be considered, when they can treat the every problem as a law enforcement problem and extract money from motorists?  And if the cameras, or the reduced speed limit set to keep cameras profitable, produce a little extra traffic congestion due to overly cautious motorists slamming on the brakes at camera sites  --  all when there is no work taking place and thus no threat to worker safety--  oh well.  It's just a few hundred thousand peoples' time being lost every day for NO safety benefit.  And certainly not for any benefit which according to the SHA's own studies could be achieved in other ways.

Citizens who have an opinion on this legislation can find their own legislators' contact information at www.mdelect.net. http://www.mdelect.net/

Legislative News

PHOTO RADAR BAN INTRODUCED IN ARIZONA!

Ban the Cams would like to thank Airzona NMA Activist Steve Bacs (www.motorists.org) for sharing the link with us!

http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/50leg/2r/bills/scr1029o.asp

BILL STATUS OVERVIEW
 

SCR1029
 

SPONSORS: 

 ANTENORI  P,  BURGES  P,  GOWAN  P,  
 JUDD  P,  STEVENS  P,  BIGGS  C, 
 MURPHY  C,  SHOOTER  C,  SMITH  C, 
 YARBROUGH  C,  MONTENEGRO  C,  PROUD  C,

 
TITLE:  photo radar prohibition 

SENATE FIRST READ:  01/26/12
COMMITTEES:  ASSIGNED  COMMITTEES  ACTION 
 01/26/12  JUD  
 01/26/12  RULES 

This is not the only bill on the subject, here are other of interest:

1.  SB1318, SPONSORS:  ANTENORI  P 
TITLE:  photo radar; private investigator licenses 

http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/50leg/2r/bills/sb1318o.asp

2.  SB1316, SPONSORS:  ANTENORI  P 
TITLE:  red light violations; photo radar 

http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/50leg/2r/bills/sb1316o.asp

3.  SB1315, SPONSORS:  ANTENORI  P 
TITLE:  photo enforcement tickets; service 

http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/50leg/2r/bills/sb1315o.asp

Legislative News

http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/37/3700.asp

South Carolina Legislature Shuts Door on Photo Enforcement
Legislative commission in South Carolina rejects return of speed camera enforcement.

The South Carolina legislature put the final nail in the coffin of photo enforcement earlier this month. Both the state House and Senate last year had unanimously approved legislation making it clear that automated ticketing machines were illegal in the state. As part of a compromise, state Senator Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) dropped his opposition to the bill in exchange for the creation of the South Carolina Traffic Enforcement Commission, which he hoped would draft a report he could use to convince his colleagues to give photo ticketing a second chance.

The nine-page report dated January 13 had no interest in restoring the speed trap that had operated in the town of Ridgeland in defiance of state law. http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/32/3239.asp The commission included the top members of the legislature and judicial branch along with representatives from police agencies and the legal profession. The composition of the committee, set by Davis in his amendment language, did not invite any members of the public to participate. The body was asked a series of twenty questions, most of which presumed photo enforcement would return.

"Assuming that traffic enforcement camera systems are used to enforce uniform traffic laws, is there a way to ensure that traffic enforcement camera systems are being used to improve road safety, and assuming that their use improves road safety, rather than maximizing government revenues resulting from violations of uniform traffic laws?" one of the legislated questions asked.

The commission's members did not accept the loaded questions' premise. Once the members finally met they agreed that private, for-profit law enforcement was not a good idea.

"Pursuant to item (4) commission recommends no changes to the existing law concerning the use of traffic enforcement camera systems," the commission concluded.

Existing law expressly forbids the use of red light cameras and speed cameras. In rendering its judgment, the commission focused on the many legal and constitutional problems with photo enforcement.

"No matter who was driving the car at the time, the owner of the car is assumed to be guilty," the committee report stated. "This violates a major tenet of our legal system: innocent until proven guilty... The commission concedes that, properly calibrated and properly operated, photo radar systems may be accurate. However, photo radar, like any radar, can generate false readings, and similar cases are contested and litigated all the time. While technological improvements are likely, the system will never be completely without flaws."

The group found fault with the notion of mailing tickets to vehicle owners because by the time they receive the notice, they may not remember the incident, putting them at a disadvantage if they wish to challenge a photo ticket.

A copy of the report is available in a 100k PDF file at the source link below.

Source:  Report and Findings (South Carolina Traffic Camera Enforcement Commission, 1/13/2012) http://www.thenewspaper.com/rlc/docs/2012/sc-camcomm.pdf

Legislative News

Quote: 

"Unfortunately (police departments) around the county are doing this same kind of smoke and mirrors stuff," Conway said."  (in ref to so called safety claims by the scamera side).

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-ia-iowatrafficcamera,0,5302920.story

Iowa House panel OKs red light, speed camera ban
 
By ANDREW DUFFELMEYER
 
Associated Press
 
10:45 a.m. CST, January 25, 2012

DES MOINES, Iowa— A legislative panel approved a measure Wednesday banning the use of automated red light and speed cameras, despite testimony from law enforcement and city officials supporting their use.

A House transportation subcommittee moved the bill forward to the full House Transportation Committee. And Rep. Walt Rogers, a Cedar Falls Republican overseeing the legislation, thinks the bill has a chance of being approved this year.

"I do think there's good support for it in our caucus," Rogers said.

Several Iowa cities use the devices, including Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. Officials from those cities told lawmakers both data and anecdotal evidence indicate that the cameras are reducing the number and severity of crashes and calming traffic overall.

The bill, if approved, would take effect July 1.

Data from cameras put in place at five of Des Moines' busiest and most dangerous intersections in 2011 show accidents down 33 percent compared to data from the previous four years. Des Moines Police Capt. Doug Harvey said while data for the city's relatively new program may be premature, he's seen firsthand the result speed cameras on Interstate 235 in particular have had on traffic.

"The amount of traffic weaving in and out on a day-to-day basis is so much better," Harvey said.

Year-end data from Cedar Rapids' program shows traffic crashes in the city down 22 percent, fatal crashes down 80 percent and crashes on Interstate 380 dropped significantly.

But Rogers and Rep. Ralph Watts, an Adel Republican, questioned the cameras' effectiveness and said they may violate civil liberties. Watts also asked whether cities may rely on the revenue the cameras provide.

"The question I have is how far do you go to monitor the population with cameras?" Watts asked.

Conservative radio host Simon Conway, who presented 10,000 signatures to Gov. Terry Branstad last week in support of banning the devices, said data from the cities isn't conclusive and some reports are deceptive.

Read more: Iowa House panel OKs red light, speed camera ban

Legislative News

PRE-crime law enforcement is now in effect in NJ (is Thought "Crime" far behind???)

Thanks to Mark Eckert post on Florida Opponents of Red Light Cameras Coalition for the head up!

PRE-crime law enforcement is now in effect in NJ

"I'm all for lowering the crime rates, but I know that the majority of street level crime is directly related to prohibition.

Prohibition drives the market.

Rather than admit that prohibition is wrong-headed, they would prefer to resort to bizarre 'pre-crime' methods of crime prevention, including talking surveillance cameras and 'bathing people in red light'.
...
Yes. They will bath the suspected BAD people in red light.

Here's the Light Based Intervention System...

Video:"
http://www.brasschecktv.com/videos/offensive-technology/new-police-precrime-technique----light-based-intervention-system---.html

Ban the Cams note:  Realise that "voice" cameras have been developed to monitor speech too under the guise of "protecting" the public.  http://camerafraud.wordpress.com/2010/07/05/audio-enforcement/

Ban the Cams additional note:  Also a Yard Scamera was depolyed in LA town a few year back too by ATS!  http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/28/2846.asp  Quote:  Speed camera vendor American Traffic Solutions (ATS) next month will use its automated ticketing expertise to run a litter camera program for Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Under first-of-its-kind initiative, city workers will drive around photographing neighborhoods with special cameras hooked into a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite tracking device. The workers will be looking to capture homes that might have litter, weeds or trash on their lawn so that a hefty fine can be imposed.

Legislative News

http://thegazette.com/2012/01/18/branstad-says-he-would-sign-traffic-enforcement-camera-ban/

Branstad says he would sign a traffic camera ban

Governor noted he was fined $200 in Arizona; said the cameras pose a “sense of unfairness”

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad listens to a joint session of the Iowa Legislature, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, at the Statehouse in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

DES MOINES – Gov. Terry Branstad said Wednesday he would sign legislation to ban traffic-monitoring devices if the General Assembly sent him a bill this session.

The governor made the comments on a day that a Des Moines radio talk show host and the executive director of the ACLU of Iowa delivered petitions bearing more than 10,000 signatures of Iowans opposing the red-light or speed cameras currently operated by a growing number of cities in Iowa.

Also Wednesday, 24 House Republicans introduced legislation to prohibit the traffic-monitoring devices effective immediately and to have all the automated traffic law enforcement equipment removed from Iowa roadways by July 1.

“If the General Assembly were to approve legislation banning this, I would be pleased to sign it,” Branstad told WHO-AM radio talk show host Simon Conway and ACLU of Iowa leader Ben Stone.

“It’s kind of a big brother thing. I think people don’t like that idea,” the governor said. “I’ve heard a lot of concerns, a lot of complaints about this.”

Branstad, who noted he was fined about $200 after being clocked by an electronic-monitoring device for going 10 mph over the speed limit while traveling through the Arizona desert driving a rental car, said there is a “sense of unfairness” that people feel in not being able to face their accuser – something that runs counter to the American system of justice.

“I believe we have other, better ways to protect public safety than the proliferation of these devices,” the governor said. “We’re seeing now a lot of communities are looking at this as a way to raise a bunch of money. I think there’s growing concern among the citizens that this is not really the right or fair way to do it.”

Branstad said Iowa has made dramatic progress in protecting public safety, noting that last year’s traffic death toll was the lowest since 1944.

“I will tell you that if the Legislature passes a law to ban them, I will sign it,” he said.

House File 2048, which was filed on Wednesday, prohibits the use of automated traffic law enforcement systems in Iowa.

The bill, which has been assigned to a House Transportation subcommittee, requires that a local authority currently using an automated traffic law enforcement system shall discontinue using the system on or before the effective date of the bill. The legislation, if passed by the House and Senate, would take effect upon the governor’s signature.

All automated traffic law enforcement system equipment would have to be removed from Iowa highways by July 1. A local authority’s ordinance authorizing the use of automated traffic law enforcement systems would be considered void on the effective date of the bill, but notices of violations mailed or citations issued under such an ordinance would be valid and processed according to the prior law.

Legislative News

Ban the CAMS URGES ALL FLORIDIANS TO URGE THAT RLC USE BE BANNED. (ALSO TO MAKE SURE NO Trojan horse amendments be allowed that might allow speed scameras, Ban the Cams believes the mention of speed scameras was removed in the amended bill on 343.)  Bill as out of committe on Motorists Rights Restoration Act:  http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47484  Bill amended:  http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0343c1.docx&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=0343&Session=2012

You can contact your reps here:  http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx and http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/?CFID=37774345&CFTOKEN=30256625

http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/36/3694.asp

Florida House Backs Down on Red Light Camera Fight
Florida panel guts legislation that would have secured due process rights to vehicle owners accused by a camera.

The Florida legislature came close to banning the use of red light cameras last year. The state House voted 59 to 57 http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/34/3470.asp in favor of overturning the 2010 statute permitting the use of automated ticketing machines, but municipal and traffic camera lobbyists were successful in blocking the bill in the Senate.

This year, the anti-camera effort has returned, but a vote last Wednesday suggests photo enforcement opponents face an uphill battle. The House Transportation & Highway Safety Subcommittee voted 10 to 3 to gut the Florida Motorist Rights Restoration Act, which would have offered a number of protections for the owners of vehicles accused by a red light camera.

The measure would have required unannounced, third-party testing of the camera's accuracy every six months. Currently, there are no procedures in place for verifying the accuracy of a camera. The private, for-profit vendors who own and operate the machines self-certify the accuracy of their own products. The bill would have established a $500 penalty against any city or traffic camera vendor that issues a ticket from an inaccurate, untested device. The prosecution would also have the burden of establishing the guilt of the accused.

Subcommittee members were not interested. They stripped all of the motorist protections and replaced the measure with one that deals with rare cases of a vehicle owner filing an affidavit claiming someone else was driving the vehicle. The bill ensures the second recipient would get a "notice of violation" instead of a traffic citation carrying court costs.

Groups like the National Motorists Association http://www.motorists.org/ supported the original version of the bill, although it wanted a provision mentioning speed cameras struck out.

"Short of a full camera ban, this act will at least help to curb the inevitable abuses that occur when government agencies focus more on revenue generation than on protecting citizens' rights," the group wrote in a message to Florida activists. "We support this legislation and encourage you to as well."

Camera opponents, nonetheless, were divided because of a line stating that photo radar devices would be subject to the testing requirement. Because speed cameras are not authorized under Florida law, the language would be seen by the court as the legislature's approval for their use, which is the very technique used by Tennessee lawmakers http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/30/3060.asp to bring red light cameras and speed cameras to the state.

(Ban the Cams believes the photo radar language was removed based on reading of the amended bill).

Other legislation pending before the legislature would encourage longer yellow times as well as an all-out repeal of the red light camera authorization bill.

Legislative News

TN Bill to Require Countdown Timers at ALL RLC INTERESECTIONS!  (GOOD IDEA!)

Kill Tennessee Traffic Cameras

http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB2786&GA=107

Tennessee General Assembly » Legislation

wapp.capitol.tn.gov

Traffic Safety - As introduced, requires countdown timers be installed at all intersections with unmanned traffic safety cameras implemented after July 1, 2012. - Amends TCA Section 55-8-198.

Attachments:

File	Description
TN HB2786.pdf

Legislative News

http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/36/3690.asp

Iowa Constitutional Amendment Would Outlaw Traffic Cameras
State lawmaker wants Iowa voters to amend constitution to ban the use of photo enforcement.

Lawmakers in Iowa are kicking off the new year with a serious attempt to end the use of red light cameras and speed cameras in the state. A half-dozen cities use the devices even though the legislature did not grant local jurisdictions the authority to allow for-profit companies to issue traffic tickets through the mail. Instead, the Iowa Supreme Court in 2008 declared such systems could be used (view ruling http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/25/2518.asp).

To undo that ruling, state Representative Jeremy Taylor (R-Sioux City) on Wednesday introduced what would be the country's first-ever state constitutional ban on the use of cameras. The measure would have to be enacted by two consecutive sessions of the legislature before being placed on the ballot for the approval of a majority of Iowa voters.

"Automated traffic law enforcement systems shall not be used to enforce the provisions of law relating to traffic on the public roads of the state," House Joint Resolution 2003 states. "For purposes of this section, 'automated traffic law enforcement system' means a device with one or more sensors working in conjunction with an official traffic control device or signal or a speed measuring device to produce recorded images of vehicles being operated in violation of traffic or speed laws.

Taylor has the support of Governor Terry Branstad (R), who blasted the use of cameras at a Sioux City Rotary Club meeting Thursday. While taking questions from the audience, Branstad said it was "wrong" for Sioux City to borrow against future red light camera revenue and that he saw a problem with not allowing vehicle owners to face their accuser. Though the governor plays no role in the process of amending the state constitution, his position could create a hurdle for legislation passed by the House last year that authorizes cameras with $50 red light camera tickets and photo radar tickets of up to $625 each.

In 2010, red light cameras operating in five Iowa cities issued 56,312 tickets worth $5,475,092. The Dutch company Gatso and the Australian company Redflex Traffic Systems also issued a total of 87,828 speed camera tickets in the cities of Cedar Rapids and Davenport. The foreign companies each pocketed about 40 percent of the amount of revenue generated by the program.

To get around this, some state lawmakers introduced proposals to reduce the financial incentive for cities to set up automated ticketing programs. House File 612 requires "one hundred percent of the fines collected" be spent on road construction or maintenance. House File 105 requires camera revenue be directed to lowering property taxes.

A copy of the proposed constitutional amendment is available in a 40k PDF file at the source link below.

Source:  House Joint Resolution 2003 (Iowa General Assembly, 1/11/2012) http://www.thenewspaper.com/rlc/docs/2012/ia-hjr2003.pdf

Legislative News

http://www.kjct8.com/news/30207085/detail.html

CO Lawmakers Consider Ban Of Red-Light Cameras

Associated Press
POSTED: 10:42 am MST January 13, 2012
DENVER -- Some Colorado lawmakers want to stop the use of the red-light cameras in the state as the traffic enforcement devices get more scrutiny over their effectiveness and whether municipalities are using them to boost revenues.

Republican Sen. Scott Renfroe introduced a bill this week that would prohibit municipalities from using automated cameras on any streets or highways. Cameras could still be used on toll roads and highways to assess charges.

Denver officials have discussed limiting its photo stoplight program because drivers complained they were being unfairly ticketed. In Colorado Springs, officials say their red-light program did not meet safety expectations.

The National Conference of State Legislatures says nine states have passed laws banning the use of photo traffic enforcement.

Legislative News

BREAKING NEWS:  Iowa Governor Branstad Would Support Banning Red Light Cameras

Governor Branstad Would Support Banning Red Light Cameras

http://www.kcautv.com/story/16510865/iowa-governor-branstad-would-support-banning-red-light-cameras?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6634905

By, Aaron Adelson
 
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Twitter: @aadelsonkcau
 
Ask almost any driver in Sioux City, and they'll have an opinion about the red light cameras, and that includes Iowa's Governor Terry Branstad.  We sat down the governor for an interview Thursday. 

Public safety officials say red light cameras create safer communities, but many people strongly dislike them, and the governor told Channel 9 he's not opposed to getting them out of Iowa.

Picture this, life without red light cameras in Sioux City. 

Legislators in Des Moines are speaking out against them, and Governor Terry Branstad said he would support a complete ban.  
 
"Yea, I would. If the legislature feels this is something that's inappropriate I would certainly be supportive," said Branstad. 

Branstad says public safety officials have admitted to him the purpose of the cameras is more about generating revenue rather than increasing safety.
 
 

"They really don't think this is something that really enhances public safety, and so I think there's a lot of public opposition, and states like Arizona have banned them and I understand why," said Branstad. 

Branstad says the $195 penalty for drivers caught by a red light camera in Sioux City is extremely high. And he says the public's similar opinions are being taken into consideration.

"I just don't like the idea of these cameras. I don't think they're fair to the motorists, because you don't even know who's accusing you, and so I just think it's kind of a money grab," said Branstad. 

One State Representative has already proposed a constitutional amendment outlawing red light cameras, but a constitutional amendment takes years to pass.
 

Legislative News

Below is the latest alert on TN.  This bill will help deter the scamera vendors in their suit to overturn a RLC right turn on red ticket ban.  Ban the Cams STRONGLY ENCOURAGES ANY AND ALL TN RESIDENTS TO CONTACT THEIR REPS in support of bill!

http://alerts.motorists.org/nma-tennessee-alert-support-right-turn-on-red

January 12, 2012
NMA Tennessee Alert: Support Right-Turn-On-Red Bill

The NMA urges Tennessee members  to support legislation that would allow right-turns-on-red at all intersections without coming to a full stop. Introduced by Rep. Ryan A. Haynes, House Bill 64 http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/107/Bill/HB0064.pdf also has the support of Sen. Stacey Campfield.

The bill comes on the heels of legislation passed last year (Public Act 425 http://www.tn.gov/sos/acts/107/pub/pc0425.pdf) that essentially banned camera tickets for right-turn-on-red violations. Camera companies ATS and Reflex reacted quickly with lawsuits http://www.farragutpress.com/articles/2012/01/14966.html claiming the law infringes on their contracts with various Tennessee municipalities.

Camera vendors rely on right-turn-on red citations for the bulk of their revenues. HB 64 would make it more difficult to bring back right-on-red citations, further eroding company profits.

Studies http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/26/2693.asp have shown that right-turns-on-red have very little impact on driver safety, in contrast to red-light cameras, which invariably put revenue generation ahead of public safety
(Learn http://www.motorists.org/red-light-cameras/ more about the problems with red-light cameras.)

Contact your House http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/ and Senate http://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/members/ members and tell them to stand up for motorists’ rights in Tennessee by supporting HB 64.

Legislative News

http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2012/Jan12/010912/011112-04.shtml

Missouri bills would change ticket camera rules
By Keith Goble, Land Line state legislative editor

In the first few days of the legislative year at the Missouri statehouse multiple lawmakers have introduced bills to discourage, or outright prohibit, the use of cameras to issue tickets.

The devices, which are used in more than two dozen Missouri towns, snap pictures of red-light runners’ or speeders’ vehicles. A ticket is mailed to the owner of the vehicle, regardless of who was driving at the time.

Out of concern that the cameras are unconstitutional, Sen. Jim Lembke, R-Mehlville, has introduced a bill in four consecutive sessions to prohibit local governments from using photo systems at intersections to ticket drivers.

On each occasion Lembke’s bills have failed to advance from committee. Hopeful that this year is different, SB610 is awaiting assignment to committee.

Supporters of the equipment say it acts as a deterrent and helps snare red-light-running drivers who otherwise might not get caught.

Opponents, including OOIDA, say the cameras simply are an easy way for communities to rake in money at a time when budgets are stretched thin. They say if politicians in Missouri and elsewhere are truly concerned about safety they should make a point of extending yellow times or providing advance warning signs.

A separate effort from Lembke pursues such changes. SB611 would require the Missouri Department of Transportation to establish minimum yellow light change intervals for traffic-control devices.

If approved, yellow intervals must be established in accordance with nationally recognized engineering standards.

Another Senate bill is intended to discourage communities from using red-light or speed cameras as a “money grab.” Sponsored by Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, SB589 would require cities using the technology to route all fines collected to the local school district. Typically, the revenue is put into the general fund.

Officials in Kansas City say the change would no longer make the city’s 18 camera locations http://www.kcmo.org/CKCMO/Depts/PublicWorks/Red-LightSafetyCameraProgram/index.htm viable. According to a fiscal note, the state’s largest city would lose out on $4 million a year in camera revenue.

Lawmakers can consider the bills during the session that runs from Jan. 4 to May 30. OOIDA encourages Missouri truckers to contact their lawmakers about the ticket camera issue.

Legislative News

TN to consider a change to state law on right turns on red at ALL INTERSECTIONS (not just RLC ones that were just banned).

As some of you might be aware the TN legislature banned Right turn on red RLC tickets.  The vendors were so upset they are SUING to overturn STATE LAW saying their "contract" should overrule a LEGISLATURE!  http://www.farragutpress.com/articles/2011/11/14817.html

Now new legislation would also outlaw citing for right turns on red at ALL NON CAMERA intersections too!

Thanks to Kill Tennessee Traffic Cameras for the heads up!

http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0064&GA=107

Tennessee General Assembly » Legislation

wapp.capitol.tn.gov

Traffic Safety - As introduced, deletes requirement that vehicle making right turn on red signal come to full and complete stop prior to making such turn. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 8.
 

Legislative News

(Steve Note:  I am a FL NMA member.  I wanted to share this with you all).

NMA Florida Alert: Bills Need Your Support
Dear Florida Member,
 

The Florida state legislature resumes its business this week and will likely take up several critical measures affecting motorists’ rights.

House Bill 4177 http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h4177__.docx&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=4177&Session=2012 and Senate Bill 1542 http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_s1542__.DOCX&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=1542&Session=2012, are companion proposals http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2012/Jan12/010212/010512-05.shtml to end the use of red-light cameras in the state. The House version has been referred to the Economic Affairs Committee. A similar proposal passed the House in 2011 but died in the Senate.

Red-light cameras have spread across Florida and have proven problematic http://www.news-journalonline.com/columns/footnote/2011/09/16/red-light-cameras-legal-snags.html for the communities that rely on them. Red-light camera programs put revenue generation before public safety, to the detriment of motorists. It’s time to take the profit motive out of traffic enforcement by banning red-light cameras in Florida.

Another proposal known as the Motorist Rights Restoration Act (House Bill 343 http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0343__.docx&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=0343&Session=2012 and Senate Bill 568 http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_s0568__.DOCX&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=0568&Session=2012) does not ban red-light cameras outright but seeks to strengthen due-process rights for those accused of red-light camera violations. A summary of key provisions follows:
 
• Requires that cameras receive routine testing for accuracy by a third party.
• Burden of proof rests with the government
• Person charged doesn’t have to testify against himself or herself and has the right to confront witnesses.
• Evidence produced by a device must be authenticated in court by live witnesses and be accounted for along the entire chain of custody.
• The person charged can immediately request a hearing without further issuance of a traffic citation.
 
Short of a full camera ban, this act will at least help to curb the inevitable abuses that occur when government agencies focus more on revenue generation than on protecting citizens’ rights. We support this legislation and encourage you to as well.

House Bill 33 http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0033__.docx&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=0033&Session=2012 and Senate Bill 590 http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_s0590__.DOCX&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=0590&Session=2012 would require yellow-light times be set based on approach speed, not posted speed, in accordance with guidelines set by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. Properly set yellow-light timing http://www.shortyellowlights.com/ has been shown to significantly reduce accidents and violations and is a cost-effective alternative to red-light cameras.

Passage of any of these bills would be a step in the right direction for Florida drivers. Contact your House http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx and Senate http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/ members to let them know you support motorists’ rights.

John Bowman
National Motorists Association

Legislative News

MO RLC BAN BILL INTRODUCED!

(Per post on www.wrongonred.com).

http://www.senate.mo.gov/12info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=19612

SB 610 - This act prohibits political subdivisions from using automated photo red light enforcement systems to enforce red light violations.

This act is identical to SB 16 (2011), SB 637 (2010) and SB 211 (2009).

STEPHEN WITTE

Legislative News

More on IA bill to strip scamera funds from cities.  New SCAMERA RESTRICTIONS AND EVEN A BAN POSSIBLE!

http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-and-regional/iowa/branstad-would-bypass-gas-tax-increase-direct-traffic-cam-funds/article_ee1eee6f-6777-56ef-89b8-788acdcdcbff.html#ixzz1hHLtUF5l

Branstad would bypass gas-tax increase, direct traffic-cam funds to state

DES MOINES -- Gov. Terry Branstad said Wednesday he expects Iowa will have enough extra transportation money to meet critical needs next year without having to consider a boost in the state gas tax during the upcoming election-year legislative session.

However, Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines, said he expected a bipartisan group of House and Senate members would push for a phased gas tax increase after lawmakers convene Jan. 9 that would propose a 5-cents-per-gallon increase beginning Jan. 1, 2013, and another nickel increase on Jan. 1, 2014. He said there are indications the bill would get favorable treatment if it makes it to the governor's desk.

In an interview, Branstad did not address that question directly, saying he has asked the state Department of Transportation to find $50 million in cost savings. He noted DOT officials expect to have an extra $128 million for projects in 2012 thanks to favorable bid prices, budget savings and receipt of federal funding that exceeded forecast amounts.

"We're going to be able to have one of the most robust road-building programs for this coming year that we've ever had," the governor said. "So the problem isn't this coming year. It's going to be subsequent years."

He said "down the road" he expects a phased increase in the "highway user fee" could need to be considered to address a projected $200 million yearly shortfall. The governor also indicated he supported putting the money generated by controversial traffic-monitoring cameras directly into the state road use tax fund to be redistributed by formula to Iowa communities as a way to address public concerns the devices are being installed for revenue rather than safety reasons.

"If they're truly being done for public safety, then why not put all the revenue from it in the road-use tax fund? Then there's no incentive for a community to do it just for the revenue for themselves," Branstad said. "To me, that's an alternative worth looking at."

Sen. Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, who tried unsuccessfully to ban traffic-monitoring cameras last legislative session, said he believes there will be a push in 2012 to channel revenue from the devices into the statewide road fund and establish uniform guidelines and restrictions on how and where they are operated.

McCoy said he expected lawmakers would consider legislation to place a moratorium on more communities installing the cameras, limiting fines and enforcement practices, and possibly considering an outright ban.

Read more: More on IA bill to strip scamera funds from cities. New SCAMERA RESTRICTIONS AND BAN Possible

Legislative News

(Thanks to www.stpetecameras.org for the link!)

http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/blog/plakon-seeks-put-brakes-red-light-cameras

Plakon Seeks to Put Brakes on Red Light Cameras
Jim Turner's blog | Posted: December 28, 2011 7:18 AM
 

Florida Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, wants to repeal a 2010 state law that allows tickets to be issued by those caught on camera running red lights.

On Tuesday, Plakon filed a bill that would remove the provisions that allows the Florida Department of Highway, Safety and Motor Vehicles, along with county and municipalities, to use traffic infraction detectors to enforce when drivers fail to stop at traffic signals.

A similar effort sponsored by Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-New Port Richey, failed to move through the Senate last year.

Plakon’s effort, HB 4177, has yet to receive a Senate backer, something that may keep the emotional issue from moving forward in House committees.

In the 2011 session, law enforcement cautioned legislators that removing the cameras would make the intersections more dangerous.  Meanwhile, with fines starting at $158, revenue estimates at the time indicated the cameras would generate $86 million for the state in the current year, with municipalities picking up another $71 million. 
 

(Ban the CAMS comment:  SUREE it is all about "safety".  What happen in Dunellon, oh ya the application to allow RLC at intersections DIDN'T HAVE ONE RLR CRASH IN IT! http://www.ocala.com/article/20111204/OPINION/111209930/1005/sports01?Title=Red-light-cameras-are-about-revenue).