Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1007
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Limiting the use of automated traffic safety cameras to detect speed violations not in school zones to certain cities.
Sponsors: Representatives Fey, Kochmar, Clibborn, Muri, Bergquist, Klippert, Gregerson, Jinkins and Farrell.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/14/15
Staff: Andrew Russell (786-7143).
Background:
An "automated traffic safety camera" is defined in statute as a device that uses a sensor in conjunction with a camera to record a driver's failure to follow certain traffic laws. Currently, automated traffic safety cameras may be used to detect red light violations, railroad crossing violations, and speeding violations in school zones. Additionally, the 2013-15 Biennial Transportation Budget authorized the use of automated traffic safety cameras to detect speed violations in areas outside school zones.
Generally, before an automated traffic safety camera may be installed, the local jurisdiction must adopt an ordinance allowing for the use of such a camera. In addition, the location where a camera will be installed must be marked at least 30 days prior to the camera's activation, and the camera may only take a picture of the vehicle and only while the violation is occurring. Finally, the pictures produced from an automated traffic safety camera are not open to the public and may not be used in a court proceeding except a proceeding relating to a traffic infraction recorded by the camera.
As authorized in the 2013-15 Biennial Transportation Budget, automated traffic safety cameras may be used to detect speed violations in areas other than school zones under certain conditions. First, only cities west of the Cascade Mountains with a population of greater than 195,000 people may operate such a camera. Additionally, cities that meet this threshold may operate only one such camera. Currently, there are only two cities west of the Cascade Mountains that the Office of Financial Management estimates to have a population of greater than 195,000 people—Seattle and Tacoma. Finally, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) oversees the use of these cameras as part of a pilot project.
Summary of Bill:
Cities west of the Cascade Mountains with a population of greater than 195,000 people may operate an automated traffic safety camera to detect speed violations outside of school zones only if the Washington Legislature approved the use and location of such a camera as part of a pilot project before January 1, 2014. As a result, ongoing biennial authorization of a pilot project, overseen by the WTSC, would no longer be required to operate an automated traffic safety camera to detect speed violations in these cities. Additionally, only one automated traffic safety camera may be operated in any such city.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 9, 2015.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.