WTH? Missouri House Republicans Pass Bill to Allow Red-Light Cameras …Update: Dead in the Senate?

red light

In 2012 Republicans won a super-majority in the Missouri House and Senate.

So what are they doing with their veto-proof majority to further the conservative cause in Missouri? Well, today they passed the legal framework for red light cameras.
What gives, GOP?
Bellevile News Democrat reported:

The Missouri House narrowly voted to pass legislation Thursday that could let cities continue operating red-light and speed cameras, but only if they meet certain guidelines and get prior approval from state officials.

The Republican-led House sent the measure to the Senate with an 84-63 vote, a tally that is just three votes more than the minimum number required to pass a bill out of the chamber.

The measure would prevent drivers statewide from accruing penalty points for violations caught by a red-light or speed camera and would allow municipalities to fine drivers up to $135 for each ticket issued using a camera.

Sponsoring Rep. Dave Hinson, R-St. Clair, said he opposes traffic cameras, but sponsored the bill because legislation to prohibit them has not garnered enough support in previous years. Supporters argued that his measure would streamline photo traffic enforcement throughout the state.

“They are here at this point. We need to do something to regulate them so that there are not all these different regulations and ordinances and fines and penalties,” said Rep. Rochelle Walton Gray, D-Black Jack.

Opponents contend the bill would pave the way for more red-light cameras and that the Legislature should focus on prohibiting them altogether.

UPDATE: I spoke with conservative Senator Jim Lembke (District 1 – MO) and he promised – “This bill is dead in the Missouri Senate. I will make sure of it.” Let’s hope so.

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Jim Hoft is the founder and editor of The Gateway Pundit, one of the top conservative news outlets in America. Jim was awarded the Reed Irvine Accuracy in Media Award in 2013 and is the proud recipient of the Breitbart Award for Excellence in Online Journalism from the Americans for Prosperity Foundation in May 2016. In 2023, The Gateway Pundit received the Most Trusted Print Media Award at the American Liberty Awards.

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