JEFFERSON CITYÌý• Missouri voters could get a chance later this year to ban cities from using red-light cameras.
In action Wednesday, the Missouri House gave initial approval to legislation that would put a question on the November ballot prohibiting the cameras, which became a controversial source of revenue for some cities until court action began chipping away at their numbers.
The proposal, sponsored by state Rep. Bryan Spencer, R-Wentzville, comes after in ºüÀêÊÓƵ, Moline Acres and St. Peters.
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The ruling did not ban the cameras, but the court found legal problems with each of the local ordinances. and has offered refunds to people who paid tickets.
Spencer said the cameras had become a way for municipalities to raise money, rather than control traffic.
“We shouldn’t be preying on our own citizens,†Spencer said.
If approved by voters, the law would require cities to terminate contracts with companies that provide automated traffic enforcement systems.
“Nobody wants these things. I’m good with that,†said Rep. Bill Otto, D-Maryland Heights.
Lawmakers turned down a proposed amendment to the bill that would have The measure was sponsored by Rep. Michele Kratky, D-ºüÀêÊÓƵ.
A handful of cities and law enforcement organizations continue to oppose the ban, including the Missouri Police Chiefs Association and the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police.
The legislation is House Bill 1945.