A bill that would have originally lowered cities’ portion of traffic ticket revenues picked up an amendment restoring cities’ share of those revenues.

SB 5226 reforms how individuals pay traffic tickets and the process for suspending an individual’s license. Additionally, the bill raises new revenues to support new state information technology systems.

Originally, the bill lowered cities’ share of a $20 additional fee on traffic tickets from $11.50 to $9.50. The amendment changed the bill to increase the $20 fee to $24 and restore cities' share of the fee to $11.50.

Cities’ share of traffic ticket revenue was meant to constitute reimbursement for unfunded mandates, hence AWC’s opposition to the first version of the bill. However, given the recent change to the bill, AWC now takes a neutral position. We appreciate the prime sponsor who worked with us to address cities’ concerns.

SB 5226 is currently in the Senate Rules Committee awaiting floor action.