Iberia Parish Council opens discussion on taking over school‑zone speed cameras after New Iberia request

Council members opened a lengthy debate on Jan. 14 after the City of New Iberia asked Iberia Parish Government to assume oversight of automated speed‑enforcement cameras in a school zone on Dasset Road.

Councilwoman Natalie Broussard placed the city's resolution on the Public Health and Safety Committee agenda to see whether the parish could take on the cameras and what the process would require. City officials and the New Iberia councilwoman who originally sought the cameras told the committee they believe the devices have reduced speeds and improved safety near schools.

The discussion focused on the legal and operational steps required. Multiple council members and staff cited Acts 103 (2024) and 107 (2025) and an Attorney General opinion (No. 25‑0114), which committee speakers interpreted to require a cooperative endeavor agreement (CEA) between the governing authority and the local school board before automated enforcement can be lawfully implemented or continued. An audio clip of Sen. Kathy Stewart, author of the bills, played for the committee reiterated that a CEA is required even for cameras installed before the 2024 law.

City representatives said they obtained legal advice when the cameras were installed and that the city believes its prior installation was lawful; they also said some school‑zone cameras have produced safer driving behavior. School board representatives at the meeting said the board had not taken a formal vote to accept revenue but that some board members would consider a CEA if the parish initiates the process.

Council members raised operational questions about whether sheriff’s deputies could temporarily increase enforcement in the affected area, the difference between civil citations issued by camera vendors and criminal citations written by deputies, and whether taking on one set of cameras would create pressure to expand the program to other schools. Committee members repeatedly emphasized that any parish action must comply with state law and suggested the administration obtain a formal legal opinion and discuss terms with the school board and vendor BlueLine before moving forward.

After extended discussion, the committee voted to send the city's resolution to the full council for further follow‑up and to task the administration with gathering legal and operational details, including the status of any attorney‑general guidance, possible cooperative‑agreement language, and vendor proposals.

The committee’s next procedural step is to receive the administration’s report and any formal legal opinions; no formal transfer or adoption of camera operations occurred at the Jan. 14 meeting.