Two proposed bills aimed at improving road safety in Nebraska using automatic traffic enforcement cameras sparked debate during a recent legislative hearing. Legislative Bill 616, introduced by Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, would allow local governments to install cameras at intersections to catch red-light violations, giving drivers the option of paying a fine or attending a free safety course. Meanwhile, LB 600 from Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington would expand move-over laws and authorize the Nebraska Department of Transportation to install cameras in highway work zones to monitor speeding. Drivers exceeding the limit by 11 miles per hour would first receive a warning, followed by a $75 fine for a second violation within three years.
Supporters, including traffic safety advocates and the Nebraska Department of Transportation, argue that the bills could save lives and ease the burden on law enforcement by reducing dangerous driving behaviors. DeBoer emphasized the need for solutions, citing high crash rates in work zones, while Cavanaugh noted the intent is deterrence, not punishment. However, opponents—including the ACLU of Nebraska and several law enforcement agencies—raised concerns about privacy, due process, and the potential misuse of data by private vendors. Critics also questioned whether the bills effectively bypass constitutional protections by shifting criminal traffic offenses to civil penalties without courtroom safeguards.
The debate comes amid rising traffic fatalities in the state, including a record 251 deaths on Nebraska roads in 2024 and an increase in pedestrian fatalities in Omaha. Both senators acknowledged the concerns and said the legislation remains a work in progress, open to revisions that ensure fairness and transparency while addressing urgent safety needs.
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