Becker votes to ban red-light, speed cameras
State Representative John Becker (R-Clermont County) has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation that would prohibit municipalities, counties, townships and the state highway patrol from using red-light cameras and speed cameras to assist in the enforcement of traffic laws.
The legislation, House Bill 69, would prevent the ticketing of vehicles for violations relating to traffic light and speed limit laws that have been determined through the use of picture or video.
“All too often, these cameras are nothing more than fundraising schemes victimizing otherwise innocent motorists,” Becker said.
While studies show mixed results on the benefit of the cameras, there is data to show that rear-ending accidents increase at locations with red-light cameras. The unmanned cameras are also viewed as an infringement of due-process rights and a method for local government bodies to fill budgetary gaps through increased revenue.
While being considered by the House Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, an amendment was added to the bill that allows speed cameras to be used in a school zone during the school zone’s restricted-speed hours. The amendment requires a law enforcement officer to be present at the site of each speed camera being used in a school zone.
Red-light cameras have already been banned in Cincinnati, as well as rejected by voters in Heath, Ashtabula, Chillicothe, Garfield Heights and South Euclid. Earlier this year, a Hamilton County Common Pleas Court judge found that the speed cameras in Elmwood Place are unconstitutional. The village is appealing the ruling.
House Bill 69 will now be sent to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
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Becker introduces legislation on confiscated firearms
State Representative John Becker also has introduced new legislation, House Bill 210, to prevent law enforcement agencies from destroying confiscated firearms.
"I cringe when I'm watching TV and I see a table full of firearms headed for destruction. Many of those firearms are collectors' items and/or have a high monetary value,” Rep. Becker said. “With HB 210, the firearms will be used within the law enforcement department, sold to licensed firearms dealers or turned over to the Ohio Department of Public Safety.”
Under the legislation, selling the firearms will allow the department to keep the proceeds and reduce its demand for additional taxpayer dollars.
"HB 210 is a win-win for law enforcement, firearms collectors, sportsmen and taxpayers,” Rep. Becker said.
House Bill 210 had its first hearing with the House Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday.