Committee approves broad transportation package extending school‑bus cameras, adding privacy limits for license‑plate readers and other changes
State Affairs approved CS for HB 543, an omnibus transportation strike‑all that updates red‑light/school speed/school‑bus camera programs, expands school‑bus stop‑arm camera authority to private/charter buses (opt‑in), adds LPR privacy limits, and clarifies digital driver's license and disabled‑parking protections. Police chiefs told the committee the camera programs have reduced speed violations and crashes.
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Representative McFarland presented a transportation strike‑all (CS for HB 543) that combined multiple provisions: adjustments to red‑light and yellow‑light timing, expanded rules for automatic license plate readers (LPRs) and privacy protections for the digital driver’s‑license program, and reforms for the three photo‑enforcement programs (red‑light, school speed zone, and school bus stop‑arm cameras). The sponsor described specific changes for school‑bus stop‑arm cameras (allowing private and charter school buses to opt in, with local school districts retaining contract and adjudication authority) and explained that flashing beacons are required for enforceable school speed zones (Representative McFarland).
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