5/2/05-The House rejected the final version of a bill that sought to ban law enforcement from digitally patrolling freeways.
SB1164, sponsored by Sen. Thayer Verschoor, R-Gilbert, failed in a 29-26 vote. It had previously passed the Senate.
In early April, the House approved a change to the bill that would have exempted Scottsdale from the proposed ban to allow the city to move forward with a yearlong pilot study on how cameras affect collision rates and speed on Loop 101. However, lawmakers – appointed from each chamber to reach an agreement on the bill’s wording – deleted the change.
The effort’s demise will allow Scottsdale to continue working with the Arizona departments of Transportation and Public Safety to reach an agreement to install the cameras on a six-mile stretch of the highway. Signs would be posted to warn drivers of the cameras.
But, the legislative effort isn’t completely dead. Verschoor said he is hoping to change some minds and put the bill back for consideration this week.

4/18/05-The House approved a bill April 11 that would ban law enforcement from digitally patrolling freeways.
SB1164, which previously passed the Senate, is likely headed to a House-Senate conference committee to iron out differences in the bill.
A House provision added to the bill while in the House would exempt Scottsdale from the proposed ban.
The exclusion would allow the city to move forward with a yearlong pilot study on how cameras affect collision rates and speed on Loop 101 stretching between 90th Street to the south and the Phoenix border to the west.
In an effort to undermine the Scottsdale exemption, another House amendment added to the bill would allow the Arizona Department of Public Safety to shift troopers from other parts of the state to step up patrols on Loop 101.
For bill status, call (602) 926-4231.