On October 15, 2015 Rep. Kelly Townsend proposed legislation that would remove traffic camera devices entirely from Arizona. The final bill was completed and assigned a number on Friday, January 22.
Townsend and at least two of her co-sponsors, reps. Mark Finchem and Bob Thorpe, have been very clear that they oppose the devices. So much so, that they had also crafted legislation, HB2366, that would have placed restrictions on their use should the ban fail.
The issue has been an emotional one for opponents. As in past sessions, any legislation involving the cameras turns into a “battle royale” with public fighting bitterly against the well-financed camera company.
“With the recent attention the media has given to camera fraud I am hopeful we finally have the political will to get this done,” stated Rep. Warren Petersen.
“As I have maintained throughout the discussion, I want to hear from everyone who has an opinion. One of our most important responsibilities is to give people a voice. I personally care about being fair to those with an opinion that might be contrary to the majority’s. I believe that it is important to give everyone a voice, and to give everyone a hearing,” stated Rep. Finchem. “I remain opposed to automated devices designed to ensnare and not alert those who transit our highways and byways.”
The primary sponsors of HB2540 are rep. Townsend, Boyer, and Petersen. Reps. Allen, Carter, Cobb, Finchem, Leach, Mesnard, and Rivero are co-sponsors.
The bill reads in part:
A PHOTO ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM SHALL NOT BE USED BY A LOCAL AUTHORITY OR ANY AGENCY OF THIS STATE TO IDENTIFY VIOLATORS OF ARTICLE 3 OR 6 OF THIS CHAPTER OR OF A CITY OR TOWN ORDINANCE FOR EXCESSIVE SPEED OR FAILURE TO OBEY A TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE.
On Tuesday, in a 5-1 vote, the Senate Transportation Committee approved SB 1241 which mirrors Townsend’s bill.