Cincinnati, Ohio – State Representative Tom Patton from Strongsville, a Republican, has introduced a bill aiming to introduce stricter rules on how speed camera companies work. The goal is to make their operations more open to the public.
Read also: Toledo summit unites bipartisan leaders against EPA’s new auto emission rules
The proposed legislation, House Bill 416, would make it necessary for all speed cameras to be officially listed with the state. This move would let people have access to information about the location of these cameras, their number, their effectiveness, and the amount of money they generate.
If the bill becomes law, companies that operate speed cameras would have to pay a monthly fee of $5,000 for each camera. This fee would cover the costs of state inspections to verify the cameras’ accuracy. Additionally, these companies would face an 8% tax on their earnings from the cameras. Another requirement would be for any fines to be issued within 72 hours, a significant change from the current 30-day period. However, House Bill 416 wouldn’t alter the current revenue distribution from speed camera fines, which gives 60% to local governments and 40% to the operating companies.
Read also: EPA ALLOCATES $210 MILLION TO OHIO FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
Rep. Patton pointed out that cities receiving 60% of the revenue from speed cameras have no reason to be upset by the new bill. He highlighted the issue with the money flowing to out-of-state and even international companies without proper accountability or checks on the accuracy of their equipment.
He further explained that the revenue generated from the proposed 8% tax on these companies would be invested back into the community. Specifically, it would support public safety initiatives, including the health and wellness of first responders.
House Bill 416 was introduced to the house in February, but it hasn’t been reviewed yet. Rep. Patton is optimistic about its passage, emphasizing that the bill aims at regulating the companies rather than burdening local governments.
Patton expressed his frustration with the ongoing situation and his commitment to bringing accountability to the industry. He reassured that this legislation would not financially impact local governments, hoping to avoid the pushback that some of his previous initiatives have encountered.