Delegation approves pilot to use State Highway cameras for illegal‑dumping citations

The Howard County delegation voted to approve HOCO 6 26 as amended, a pilot program that would authorize the State Highway Administration to deploy surveillance cameras at identified illegal‑dumping hot spots and allow police to issue citations to people caught dumping. The bill includes a five‑year sunset and was described as a revenue‑positive enforcement tool by proponents.

Chair (unnamed) explained the bill grew from a constituent 'shark‑tank' project and said State Highways and the police department support the measure. The chair cited the high cost of cleanup — "in 2024, State Highway spent $18,000,000 picking up trash" — and said cameras could help reduce repeat dumping and help offset cleanup costs.

Delegates approved a friendly technical amendment changing the manner in which a recipient contests a citation: the amendment makes the citation recipient file the hearing request directly with the court (consistent with parking and criminal citations) rather than routing the request through the police department. Delegate Hill moved the amendment and Musa called the roll; the amendment passed unanimously.

After the amendment passed, the delegation voted to report the bill favorably; a roll call recorded yes votes and the bill passed the delegation as amended. Delegates said they expect police and State Highways to manage camera placement and enforcement details. Clerical staff agreed to provide delegates with a copy of the amendment.

Next steps: the bill proceeds as a delegation‑approved local bill (as amended) for further consideration in the legislative process.