Wisconsin Senate Bill SB107

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

The use of automated speed enforcement systems and traffic control photographic systems in a first class city and providing a penalty. (FE)

Impact

The introduction of SB107 is expected to significantly affect local traffic enforcement strategies. By enabling automated systems to identify violations, the bill aims to improve compliance with speed limits and traffic signals, and ultimately enhance public safety on the roads. The forfeitures collected from these automated systems must be used by local law enforcement for traffic safety programs, which could lead to more resources being allocated to public safety initiatives. However, there are concerns regarding reliance on technology for enforcement and its impacts on civil liberties and rights.

Summary

Senate Bill 107 allows local law enforcement agencies in first-class cities, currently only Milwaukee, to implement automated speed enforcement systems (ASES) to identify speed violations. The bill also permits the enactment of ordinances allowing traffic control photographic systems (TCPS) to detect violations at traffic signals. For violations identified through these systems, vehicle owners may face forfeitures instead of traditional traffic citations. Notably, under SB107, citations cannot be issued for speed violations detected by ASES unless the vehicle exceeds the speed limit by 20 miles per hour or more, reflecting an effort to mitigate minor infractions.

Contention

There were debates surrounding the equity and fairness of ASES and TCPS use. Proponents argue that these systems will reduce human error and increase road safety, while critics caution about potential privacy infringements and the reliance on automated systems that may lead to unjust penalties. Concerns also include how accurately these systems capture violations and whether they could disproportionately affect certain communities. The requirement for public transparency and strict guidelines for the enforcement of these systems was a notable point of contention during discussions.