SB 5757, from Sen. Leonard Christian (R–Spokane Valley), redirects to the state half of all revenue cities receive from infractions issued through a safety camera program.

AWC opposes SB 5757 and encourages cities with traffic safety cameras to sign in opposed on February 24.

Cities prioritize public safety on their roadways by stretching their limited budgets as far as possible to reduce accidents and fatalities. The revenue generated by infractions from traffic cameras are a small, yet important component of city spending to meet their traffic safety target zero goals. Redistributing this funding to the state would work against their concerted efforts to increase safety in their communities.

City and town authority to use automated traffic safety cameras, and retain revenues from infractions, was expanded in 2024 per HB 2384. The legislation requires cities that adopt a camera program after January 1, 2024, to use those revenues only for traffic safety purposes related to construction and preservation projects and maintenance and operations, including changes to physical infrastructure to slow down drivers, complete streets projects, and increasing access and safety for active transportation users and those with limited mobility. Read AWC’s coverage of the legislation for more background.

Date to remember

SB 5757 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee on Monday, February 24 at 1:30 pm.