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Senate approves malfeasance-in-office changes after debate over automated cameras and school-zone rules
Summary
SB99, which creates a malfeasance-in-office provision tied to improper issuance of traffic camera citations, passed after floor amendments that limited automated enforcement outside school zones and added clarity on automated devices.
The Louisiana Senate on April 28 passed Senate Bill 99, which amends state law on malfeasance in office to address issuance of traffic-camera citations and related automated enforcement practices. Sponsor Senator Stewart Cathy framed the measure as closing gaps in accountability for officials who fail to follow law.
Cathy described the core idea as making it a crime to “not follow the law.” An amendment from Senator Seebaugh narrowed the bill’s effect on automated enforcement by outlawing unmanned speed and red-light cameras everywhere except in school zones and by requiring clearer markings for school-zone automated enforcement. Seebaugh, who proposed the amendment, said it preserves cameras in school zones while eliminating them elsewhere because automated cameras do not provide the on-the-spot intervention a traffic stop would.
During floor debate, senators raised concerns about due process, municipal budgets and public safety. Senator Meggos questioned how mailed camera citations compare with a sheriff’s deputy pulling a motorist over, citing delays of four to six weeks before mailed notices arrive. Seebaugh said unmanned cameras can divert funds away from court-costs-funded public services and that the sheriff’s association and district attorneys support the legislation and the amendment. Senator Cathy also noted an earlier agreement with the Louisiana Municipal Association and said the group later opposed the bill; he delayed adoption of an additional amendment as a result.
The Senate adopted the Seebaugh amendment (which left automated devices in school zones and added marking requirements) and later approved final passage. Senate roll call recorded 32 yeas and 6 nays.
The sponsor and supporters said the measure aims to restore local enforcement discretion and ensure fines fund traditional public safety uses, while opponents warned of revenue impacts for municipalities that rely on automated-enforcement receipts.
