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SF2850 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Use of cameras prohibition for traffic safety enforcement

Related bill: HF2154

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to prohibit the use of cameras for traffic safety enforcement in Minnesota. This includes a ban on traffic safety cameras used to catch violations like speeding and running red lights, as well as canceling any related appropriations or pilot programs.

Main Provisions

  • Prohibition on Traffic Safety Cameras: The bill prevents the state and local governments from using automated camera systems to issue traffic violations. This includes red light cameras and speed cameras, even those using artificial intelligence.
  • Cancellation of Funding and Programs: It mandates the cancellation of state grants for traffic safety camera systems and any current projects using these systems.
  • Amendment and Repeal of Existing Statutes: Specific sections of Minnesota Statutes and previous laws that allowed or referred to the use of traffic safety cameras are either amended to remove relevant provisions or completely repealed.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Prohibition of Future Use: After the effective date, no new ordinances using speed safety or red light camera systems can be enforced.
  • Immediate Termination: Current operations of traffic safety cameras will be immediately discontinued, and any running pilot projects will be closed.
  • Legal Evidence Standards: Modifications to the standard of evidence and procedures for prosecuting traffic violations emphasize that evidence from these systems cannot be used for issuing citations or charges.

Relevant Terms

  • Traffic safety cameras
  • Automated enforcement
  • Red light cameras
  • Speed cameras
  • Traffic violations
  • Local government restrictions
  • Appropriation cancellation
  • Repeal of statutes

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTransportation

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends the definitions section related to automated license plate readers.",
      "modified": [
        "Defines 'Automated license plate reader' and 'Traffic safety camera system'."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13.824",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends local authority regulations on streets and highways.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies and adjusts the local authority over traffic and parking control, with exceptions for certain camera systems."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.04",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifies standards for evidence from radar and other speed-measuring devices.",
      "modified": [
        "Includes provisions for the admissibility of evidence from speed safety camera systems."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.14",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 10"
  }
]

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