Municipal parking; civil penalties; maximum
The bill aims to standardize civil penalties across municipalities, returning a degree of control to vehicle owners by capping potential fines. By establishing a clear framework for penalties, supporters believe it could promote fairness in parking enforcement and prevent municipalities from imposing excessive fines that could disproportionately affect low-income residents. This could also lead to an improved public perception of local government practices in handling parking violations.
House Bill 2634 introduces amendments to Title 9, Chapter 4, Article 8 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically regarding municipal powers over parking regulations. The legislation establishes limitations on the civil penalties municipalities can impose for parking violations. According to the bill, no municipal ordinance may set a civil penalty exceeding 400% of the daily maximum parking fee charged at that location and time, ensuring that fines are proportionate to the initial cost of parking.
Notable points of contention may arise concerning the appropriateness of limiting municipal authority in setting fines. Critics of the bill might argue that each municipality has distinct needs and challenges regarding parking and civil enforcement. They express concerns that such limitations could hinder municipalities from addressing local issues effectively or from generating necessary revenue through appropriate fines. Moreover, the timeline for expedited payments may complicate local policies and enforcement protocols, which could lead to inconsistent applications of this legislation.
The bill also outlines specific penalty amounts based on the timing of payments. If the penalty is paid within seven business days, municipalities are limited to 150% of the maximum fee; if paid within eight to fourteen days, the limit is set at 200%. This tiered structure intends to incentivize prompt settlement of penalties while remaining equitable relative to parking fees.