Senate committee advances SB 654 to standardize camera‑based traffic enforcement

Senator DeSigli presented SB 654 to the Senate Transportation Committee, saying the bill aims to create consistency, predictability and transparency across local camera‑based traffic enforcement programs. The measure authorizes clerks of court to retain 10% of penalty revenues to fund clerk functions, requires municipalities operating traffic‑infraction detectors to maintain records for at least two years, prohibits the use of deployments for remote surveillance, and limits the ways vendors and agencies may use recorded data.

The bill also authorizes virtual hearings for motorists to challenge notices of violation and sets rules specific to school‑zone speed cameras and school‑bus camera systems. For school zones, SB 654 limits speed detection to times when the school‑zone speed limit is in effect and requires flashing beacons to be activated when enforcement is operating. For school‑bus cameras, the bill requires a school board to approve installation on district buses, requires districts to provide an annual report at a school‑board meeting, and requires traffic‑infraction officers enforcing school‑bus violations to meet statutory officer qualifications.

During questioning, Senator Davis asked whether the bill restricts information‑sharing agreements or memoranda of understanding with federal agencies and whether it addresses face‑recognition technologies. Senator DeSigli said the bill does not specifically address those items and that some information‑sharing questions are already covered elsewhere in statute; he also said face‑recognition technologies are not addressed in this bill. DeSigli said he is "not a fan of these cameras" personally but argued the bill is intended to be "pro‑consumer" by creating fairer processes and accurate reporting.

The committee adopted an amendment (barcode 539650) clarifying that county and municipal reports on school‑zone speed detection systems cover the prior state fiscal year and clarifying which entity receives affidavits transferring liability for purposes of resetting statutory time limitations. Jennifer Guy waived in support of the amendment.

By roll call the committee reported SB 654 favorably. The clerk recorded 'Yes' votes from Senators Arrington, Davis, Jones, Martin, McLean, Trunow, Wright, Vice Chair Avila and Chair Masula.

The committee action sends the amended bill out of committee for further consideration by the full Legislature.