

| Legislative Watch |
Texas |
4/29/03-House lawmakers
rejected a bill on April 28 allowing cities to rig cameras as a deterrent
to red-light
runners.
The proposal sponsored by Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford,
was voted down, 103-34.
Opponents already had gutted the measure – HB901 – by adding
an amendment allowing cameras only in cities with fewer than
50 people.
With new authority, a red-light running vehicle’s license plate number
would be captured on camera and a ticket forwarded to the registered
owner. Under the bill, the fine would be $75.
Included in the bill is a provision that would give revenues
from tickets issued to the Texas Mobility Fund for highways.
3/3/03-A bill introduced
in the Texas Legislature allows municipalities to rig cameras as a deterrent
to red-light runners.
HB901, authored by Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford, permits cities to
use cameras for enforcement of traffic signals.
With new authority, a red-light running vehicle's license plate
number is captured on camera and a ticket is forwarded to the
registered owner. Under the bill, the fine would be $75.
Camera-wielding municipalities would be required to "place or erect
signs to inform motorists entering the municipality that a photographic
traffic signal enforcement system is in use," King wrote. "The
municipality shall place or erect a sign ... at each location
where a city limits sign has been placed or erected adjacent to a
roadway that enters the municipality."
Included in the bill is a provision that would give revenues from tickets
issued to the Texas Mobility Fund for highway construction.
The bill has been referred to the House transportation committee. For
bill status, call (512) 463-2182.






