Bill to repeal red-light camera law squeaks by House panel

TALLAHASSEE Florida’s red-light cameras are one step closer to going away, but judging by the squeaker of a vote, a bumpy road lies ahead.

The House Appropriations Committeevoted14-12 onTuesday to repeal the 2010 law.

The mix of Democrats and Reaccidents publican on both sides of the issue signal the upcoming vote in the House floor could be equally contentious.

The bill, whichwould get rid of the cameras and prevent local governments from passing their own red-light camera laws, still needs to be heard in two Senate committees.

“Less than 20 percent of the money collected on these fines is used for its intended purpose, which is safety,” said state Rep. Frank Artiles, R-Miami, the House sponsor of the bill. “This is a money grab.”

This year’s efforts to repeal the law have been buoyed by court cases that have ruled enforcement by many cities and counties is illegal because they cede too much police power to private companies.

Police organizations, the League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties are all against the repeal.

“Red-light cameras are an important public safety tool,” said Casey Cook, of the League of Cities.

But the latest report on the cameras by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has found that traffic at red lights have increased since the cameras were put in place.

According to staff analysis of the bill, cities and counties stand to lose more than $60 million every year if the cameras go away.

House Minority Leader Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, argued that even if the tickets are tantamount toa tax, they’re necessary.