Georgia Lawmakers Fail to Ban School Speed Cameras Again
TLDR: Despite initial optimism, Georgia lawmakers did not pass any legislation to ban or reform school zone speed cameras during the recent session, leaving the status quo unchanged for another year.
The Georgia General Assembly concluded its session on Friday without passing any legislation regarding school zone speed cameras, despite ongoing discussions and proposals aimed at addressing concerns over their use. This marks the second consecutive year that lawmakers have failed to take action on this contentious issue.
Background on School Zone Speed Cameras
School zone speed cameras are automated systems designed to enhance safety for children and pedestrians by monitoring vehicle speeds in designated areas. However, these systems have faced criticism for allegedly tricking drivers into receiving unfair tickets. Over the past year and a half, investigations by the Fox Five I-Team revealed instances in three cities where timing issues between the cameras and warning lights led to thousands of unjust tickets being issued.
Legislative Proposals
At the beginning of the legislative session, there was optimism that meaningful changes would be made. Two primary proposals were introduced:
- An outright ban on school speed cameras proposed by Republican Dale Washburn from Macon.
- A reform bill introduced by Republican Alan Powell, which aimed to retain the cameras but implement significant changes to benefit drivers.
Both proposals initially gained traction, with Washburn’s ban bill garnering support from 100 lawmakers and Powell’s reform bill receiving backing from House Speaker John Burns. However, as the session progressed, both bills encountered significant obstacles.
Lobbying and Political Influence
One of the major hurdles faced by the proposed legislation was intense lobbying from private companies that install and operate these speed cameras. Reports indicated that powerful lobbyists were hired to advocate for the interests of these companies, which have invested heavily in political campaigns. Over the past four years, three major camera companies contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to various political committees, including over $200,000 to the Georgia House Republican Trust and more than $100,000 to the Georgia Republican Senatorial Committee.
Challenges in the Senate
As the bills moved to the Senate, they faced additional challenges. The Senate Rules Committee, led by Majority Whip Randy Robertson, introduced amendments that weakened Washburn’s ban bill, allowing the cameras to operate for an additional three years before a potential sunset. This amendment was seen as a significant setback, leading many lawmakers to view the bill as ineffective.
Powell’s reform bill also underwent substantial changes that its sponsor found unacceptable. Key provisions, such as the requirement for speed cameras to be accompanied by feedback signs indicating drivers’ speeds, were removed. After returning to the House to reinstate these provisions, the Senate adjourned early, leaving both measures unresolved.
Looking Ahead
With the conclusion of the session, both proposals are now on hold until the next legislative cycle in 2026. Washburn expressed frustration, noting that his bill could have passed in the House without the three-year extension. Speaker John Burns emphasized the importance of using ticket proceeds for school safety and expressed hope that the Senate would take action in the upcoming year.
As the session resumes in January, both Washburn and Powell plan to continue their efforts, with Washburn aiming to eliminate the sunset provision and Powell seeking to advance his reform bill in its original form. The ongoing debate over school zone speed cameras in Georgia is far from over, and it remains to be seen how lawmakers will address this contentious issue in the future.