The bill introduced by Senator Patton aims to regulate companies involved in the sale, provision, installation, or management of traffic law photo-monitoring devices in Ohio. It establishes a licensing requirement for these companies, mandating a licensing fee of $100,000 per device, with proceeds directed to a newly created traffic camera dealer license fund. Additionally, the bill introduces a tax on gross receipts from municipal contracts related to traffic cameras, with a specific tax rate of eight percent on traffic camera revenue intended to fund post-traumatic stress disorder treatment services for public safety officers. The legislation also modifies existing laws regarding debt collection, emphasizing the role of the attorney general and allowing for debt compromises or extended payment periods.

Moreover, the bill outlines responsibilities for local authorities and law enforcement in relation to traffic monitoring devices, requiring law enforcement review of evidence before issuing tickets and establishing maintenance protocols for the devices. It mandates that fees from traffic violations be allocated to designated funds, including the public safety - highway purposes fund and the state post-traumatic stress disorder fund. The bill also includes provisions for tax refund processes, requiring taxpayers to be notified of credit account balances eligible for refunds and allowing refunds to offset outstanding tax debts. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance accountability and regulation of traffic monitoring systems while ensuring public safety and clear tax obligations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 131.02, 715.013, 4303.26, 4501.06, 4511.092, 4511.096, 4511.0911, 5703.052, 5703.053, 5703.19, 5703.263, 5703.50, 5703.70, 5703.77