OOIDA Call to Action - Texas Members
March 15, 2007

Attention Texas truckers - A handful of bills in the Texas Legislature would either rein in or eliminate cities' use of automated cameras. Take time now to voice your support of this legislation and speak out against this revenue generating mechanism.

A bill offered by Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Chairman John Carona, R-Dallas, is intended to make the use of red-light cameras less lucrative for local coffers. The bill - SB125 - would cap fines for running red lights and require cities to share fines generated by the cameras with the state.

Cities would be required to use their share of the profits for public safety and traffic needs. The state would route its proceeds to the state fund to support trauma care and emergency medical services. This is an attempt to curb the use of these cameras for financial reasons, and center them on public safety.

Another bill - SB1119 - offered by Carona would establish criteria for where red-light cameras can be posted. Cities would be required to do traffic studies at intersections they want to use cameras.

A separate bill currently in the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee would essentially negate cities' authority to use cameras at intersections. Sponsored by Sen. Mike Jackson, R-La Porte, the bill would block all city governments in the state from using cameras to nab red-light runners. Rep. Carl Isett, R-Lubbock, has introduced a similar bill in the House.

Voice your concerns about automated camera enforcement to committee members now. Contact information is listed below.

Sen. John Carona, chairman
Phone: (512) 463-0116
E-mail

Sen. Kirk Watson, vice chairman
Phone: (512) 463-0114
E-mail

Sen. Kim Brimer
Phone: (512) 463-0110

Sen. Rodney Ellis
Phone: (512) 463-0113
E-mail

Sen. Robert Nichols
Phone: (512) 463-0103
E-mail

Sen. Florence Shapiro
Phone: (512) 463-0108
E-mail

Sen. Eliot Shapleigh
Phone: (512) 463-0129
E-mail

Sen. Jeff Wentworth
Phone: (512) 463-0125
E-mail

Sen. Tommy Williams
Phone: (512) 463-0104
E-mail