Senate narrows speed‑camera pilot to work zones, orders third reading

The Senate heard a detailed report on S184, a bill proposing a two‑year, work‑zone‑only pilot of automated traffic law enforcement (ATLE) operated by a third‑party vendor under the Agency of Transportation (AOT) and ordered the bill for third reading after adopting committee amendments.

Senators said the pilot responds to documented safety risks for highway workers: committee testimony and state speed sampling cited crashes and samples showing a high percentage of vehicles exceeding posted work‑zone speeds in studies conducted in 2022–23. The committee said an AOT grant (estimated $1,000,000 with a 10% state match) would fund the pilot; the authorization would automatically repeal if the grant is not secured.

Key features adopted in amendment: ATLE deployment limited to AOT‑selected work zones on unlimited‑access highways; third‑party vendor operation and contract oversight; daily calibration logs and an annual calibration requirement; recorded images retained no longer than 12 months for administrative processing; civil‑penalty structure with first notice $0, second $80 and subsequent $160 (with a 30‑day window to avoid stacking fines for commuters); two defenses (owner not driving; improper calibration) and administrative/judicial processing through the Judicial Bureau. The committee removed language exempting images from public records requests after stakeholder review.

Supporters emphasized the pilot’s narrow scope and safety goal; opponents raised privacy and equity concerns but several senators said safeguards, vendor requirements and annual reporting to the legislature would mitigate risks. The committee listed 15 witnesses, including municipal and state officials, vendors, civil‑liberties advocates and judges, and relied on out‑of‑state pilots in Connecticut and Pennsylvania when shaping amendments.

What happens next: The Senate ordered third reading of S184 after adopting the committee amendment; the bill includes reporting requirements to legislative committees during and after the pilot.