The House Environmental Matters Committee has passed HB 929, legislation to update and tighten several provisions governing the use of speed camera systems as public safety tools of local governments and the state highway administration. The bill, following plentiful amendments arising from a session-long workgroup effort, received broad bi-partisan support. MACo, MML, and other local governments supported the House work product, as has AAA, the principal motorist advocate organization engaged in the debate.
From coverage in the Baltimore Sun (limited free views available):
Legislation that one Baltimore lawmaker said would create a “new and improved speed camera program” is headed to the House of Delegates, after a committee overwhelmingly approved a legislative package Wednesday in the waning days of the General Assembly session.
The bill would increase oversight of programs across Maryland, tighten rules on camera placement and more clearly bar government contracts that pay vendors on a per-ticket basis known as the “bounty system.”
HB 929 is likely to be heard on the floor of the House of Delegates for debate as soon as this afternoon.
