A Senate panel voted 5-2 Monday to require permission of the state Department of Transportation for a city to install or maintain photo enforcement on any state highway.
HB 2469 would not affect radar and red light cameras on city streets. But Sen. Chester Crandell, R-Heber, said the state has a legitimate interest in what happens on the roads it maintains.
The legislation would require cities to show there is a specific traffic problem where a camera is proposed as well as follow-up to show that the installation actually improved safety.
Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, said that fails to consider that already-installed cameras have reduced accidents. He said a city should not have to remove them because they have proven successful.
The vote by the Committee on Government and Environment sends the bill, which already has been approved by the House, to the full Senate.
