Senate rejects bill to allow photo-radar enforcement around schools and parks

Senators debated Senate Bill 123, a measure to permit use of photo radar in school zones and (by amendment) within 300 feet of playgrounds and parks. Senator Brent Richards, who presented the bill, said it largely mirrors prior legislation and that proponents argue the technology improves safety and can replace some officer hours. He acknowledged personal misgivings but noted the bill was substantially the same as last year’s measure.

Opponents raised several concerns. Senator David Steele and others argued the change would erode local discretion and could be used primarily as a revenue tool by municipalities or private contractors. Critics also questioned the timeliness of mailed citations and whether automated enforcement would substitute for in-person officer discretion. Multiple senators proposed tightening language—for example, a requirement for Department of Transportation review or a minimum speed threshold—but those changes were not adopted on the floor.

When the chamber called the question on third reading, the bill failed: 12 ayes, 17 nays, no absences recorded in the final tally. The Senate journal notes the bill will be filed rather than advanced.

The debate included arguments about whether local elected officials should retain authority to choose enforcement tools and whether the state should set uniform limits; senators also referenced public polling and local pilot programs in West Valley City that showed mixed public response.