The bill, HB639, authorizes municipalities in Escambia County to implement automated photographic speeding enforcement systems specifically in designated school and construction zones. It establishes a framework for issuing civil violation notices by mail, with fines capped at $195, and mandates that a portion of these fines be allocated to funding school resource officers and safety programs. The bill outlines the notification process for vehicle owners, requiring certified mail within 30 days of the violation, and details the contents of the violation notices. It also grants municipal courts the authority to adjudicate these civil violations, allowing individuals to contest fines through a hearing process, and specifies that evidence from the automated systems can be used in court.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new procedures for adjudicating civil violations, allowing individuals to request a hearing within 15 days of receiving notice. It establishes that fines can be filed as a judicial lien and permits appeals to the Circuit Court of Escambia County, where civil proceedings will follow certain criminal court procedures. The bill prohibits civil fines or adjudications if the vehicle operator has been arrested for a criminal violation at the same time and ensures that nonpayment of civil fines cannot lead to arrest or incarceration. It also allows individuals who pay civil fines to seek reimbursement from the actual vehicle operator after making a written demand for payment. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32-5A-182
Enrolled: 32-5A-182