5/13/05-The Senate failed to muster enough votes May 12 to take up a bill that would have blocked all city governments in the state from using cameras to nab red-light runners. It previously passed the House.
In 2003, legislators rejected a bill giving cities authority to issue criminal citations to red-light runners caught on camera. But they approved a change to the transportation code that year allowing civil tickets.
A few months later, Garland, TX, set up its first cameras. Cities including Houston, Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Irving and Lubbock all are strongly considering the installation of their own red-light cameras.
Sponsored by Rep. Gary Elkins, R-Houston, HB259 would have again prohibited the issuance of tickets from red-light cameras.
The bill’s Senate sponsor, Mike Jackson, R-La Porte, said he would continue to try and bring the bill to the floor for a vote. Under Senate rules, the bill would require the support of two-thirds of the chamber’s members to be considered. The vote May 12 was 16-14 in favor of the ban.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.

5/11/05-The Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee voted May 4 to advance a bill that would block all city governments in the state from using cameras to nab red-light runners. The bill, which previously passed the House, now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
Under Texas law, running a red light is a Class C misdemeanor that can be regulated only by the state, even though local governments are in charge of enforcement. In 2003, the House overwhelmingly voted not to allow cities to use cameras to issue criminal citations to red-light violators.
Rep. Linda Harper-Brown, R-Irving, later inserted an amendment onto a massive omnibus bill giving cities authority to regulate transportation civilly or criminally. Shortly thereafter, it was signed into law.
A few months later, Garland, TX, set up its first cameras. Cities including Houston, Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Irving and Lubbock all are strongly considering the installation of their own red-light cameras.
HB259, sponsored by Rep. Gary Elkins, R-Houston, would eliminate the civil loophole.
Gov. Rick Perry, who would have final say, isn’t taking a position on the issue.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.

3/1/05-The House voted 113-23 on Feb. 28 to block all city governments in the state from using cameras to nab red-light runners. It now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
Under Texas law, running a red light is a Class C misdemeanor that can be regulated only by the state, even though local governments are in charge of enforcement. In 2003, the House overwhelmingly voted not to allow cities to use cameras to issue criminal citations to red-light violators.
Rep. Linda Harper-Brown, R-Irving, later inserted an amendment onto a massive omnibus bill giving cities authority to regulate transportation civilly or criminally. Shortly thereafter, it was signed into law.
A few months later, Garland, TX, set up its first cameras. Cities including Houston, Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Irving and Lubbock all are strongly considering the installation of their own red-light cameras.
HB259, sponsored by Rep. Gary Elkins, R-Houston, would eliminate the civil loophole.
Gov. Rick Perry, who would have final say, isn’t taking a position on the issue.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.

2/25/05-The House has voted to block all city governments in the state from using cameras to nab red-light runners.
House lawmakers voted 109-30 on Feb. 24 to give preliminary approval to ban the red-light cameras. The chamber must approve the ban a second time before forwarding it to the Senate.
Under Texas law, running a red light is a Class C misdemeanor that can be regulated only by the state, even though local governments are in charge of enforcement. In 2003, the House overwhelmingly voted not to allow cities to use cameras to issue criminal citations to red-light violators.
Rep. Linda Harper-Brown, R-Irving, later inserted an amendment onto a massive omnibus bill giving cities authority to regulate transportation civilly or criminally. Shortly thereafter, it was signed into law.
HB259, sponsored by Rep. Gary Elkins, R-Houston, would eliminate the civil loophole.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.

2/17/05-The House Urban Affairs Committee voted 4-2 on Feb. 15 to block all city governments in Texas from using cameras to nab red-light runners.
HB259, sponsored by Rep. Gary Elkins, R-Houston, now must clear the House Calendars Committee before moving on to the full House, where it is expected to pass.
Under Texas law, running a red light is a Class C misdemeanor that can be regulated only by the state, even though local governments are in charge of enforcement. In 2003, the House voted 103-34 not to allow cities to use cameras to issue criminal citations to red-light violators.
Rep. Linda Harper-Brown, R-Irving, later inserted an amendment onto a massive omnibus bill giving cities authority to regulate transportation civilly or criminally. Shortly thereafter, it was signed into law.
Elkins’ bill would eliminate the civil loophole.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.