This bill authorizes municipalities in Baldwin County to implement automated photographic speeding enforcement systems specifically in designated zones, such as school and construction areas. It allows municipalities to issue civil violation notices by mail for speeding violations, with fines capped at $195. A portion of these fines will be allocated to funding school resource officers and safety programs. The bill mandates that municipalities inform the public about these enforcement systems through signage and awareness campaigns. It also establishes procedures for issuing violation notices, contesting penalties, and conducting hearings, ensuring that vehicle owners receive a notice within 30 days of a violation.

Additionally, the bill introduces new regulations regarding civil violations related to vehicle offenses, allowing individuals to request an adjudicative hearing within 15 days of receiving a notice. The municipal court judge will determine liability and assess fines, which can be recorded as a judicial lien. An appeal process to the Circuit Court of Baldwin County is also established, maintaining the civil nature of the proceedings. Key provisions include the requirement for municipalities to maintain statistical data on violations and communicate this to the Department of Transportation, as well as protections against imposing civil penalties if the vehicle operator was arrested for a criminal violation. The bill is set to take effect on June 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32-5A-182