Red-Light Camera Ban, Reported Dead, Will Be Revived Says Lawmaker

Just when you thought the red-light traffic camera issue was dead, like some zombie piece of legislation, it just keeps coming back.

Despite lacking commitments for the 51 votes it will need to pass the Iowa House of Representative, a bill to ban red-light traffic cameras isn't dead yet.

"I guess this bill has nine lives," said Rep. Walt Rogers, R-Cedar Falls who sponsored the bill.

Some media reports yesterday said the bill would be pulled from consideration during this legislative session.

The legislature is moving through a "funnel" week, in which non-spending measures must have cleared one legislative chamber and a committee of the other to remain eligible for consideration this session. With the funnel week ending Friday, the red-light bill did not have enough time to garner more support.

Rogers, however, said today the bill is being moved to the appropriations committee, which will make it funnel proof.

"I'm going to do the work and see if there are any Republicans who would maybe change their mind, or if there are any Democrats who originally supported it who could be brought back on board," he said. "I'll just continue to work behind the scenes and see if we can get more people over to our side."

The bill has sparked controversy between supporters of a traffic camera ban, who say such cameras infringe on personal liberty, and opponents, who say they reduce accidents and save lives.

Rogers said the bill could probably pass out of the appropriations committee and be available for a floor vote any time in the next few weeks.