MACo opposed a bill which compromises local authority over parking enforcement. The bill prohibits a local government from increasing a penalty, assessing a fee or late charge, or referring for collection an unpaid parking citation within 30 days after issuance of the citation.
The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee heard Senate Bill 136, Vehicle Laws – Parking Violations – Authority of Political Subdivisions, on Wednesday, January 25. MACo testified that parking enforcement is a purely local matter, and as such, current laws treating it as such should remain unchanged. From MACo’s testimony:
It is properly within the purview of local governments to enforce parking regulations, and to determine the most appropriate terms for parking enforcement which best balance minimizing burden on constituents with the need to deter illegal behavior. Parking violations can severely compromise quality of life for residents and visitors, and it is an important responsibility of local governments to enforce those laws in a manner that deters behavior without creating undue burden on those responsible for paying citations.
MACo also noted that removing this authority from counties could result in a fiscal impact of millions of dollars – eroding resources for essential public services.
