State Rep. Craig testifies on traffic camera legislation

State Rep. Meredith Craig (R-Smithville) provided sponsor testimony before the House Local Government Committee for House Bill 843, legislation that would require a city or village to obtain voter approval before operating automated traffic cameras.

House Bill 843 is designed to ensure Ohio taxpayers have a direct voice in determining whether traffic cameras are used in their communities. The bill would not prohibit municipalities from using automated traffic enforcement, nor would it interfere with local decision-making authority. Instead, it would require local governments to secure approval from voters before operating a traffic camera program.

The legislation is based on the principle that residents should have a say in how traffic laws are enforced, particularly in communities that already employ and fund full-time police departments.

“Traffic enforcement is about more than issuing tickets,” Craig said. “Police officers provide judgment, discretion and a visible presence that helps keep communities safe. We've seen this debate firsthand in Smithville, where residents have questioned the use of automated cameras in school zones despite having a full-time police department. Direct interaction between law enforcement and the public builds trust and promotes safety in ways that a camera simply cannot.”

House Bill 843 would require the legislative authority of a city or village that wishes to use or continue to use traffic cameras to adopt a resolution by a majority vote to submit the proposal to voters in that municipal corporation. If the proposal is approved by a majority of voters, the municipal corporation could use or continue to use traffic cameras.

“Ohioans deserve transparency, accountability and a meaningful voice in decisions that directly affect their communities,” Craig said. “House Bill 843 ensures that the people who live in the community have the opportunity to decide whether traffic cameras should be used in their town.”

House Bill 843 awaits further consideration in the House Local Government Committee.