House Bill 6625 (sHB6625 File No. 356) is a legislative proposal that would allow the city of Waterbury, Connecticut, to establish a red light camera program, effective October 1, 2023. The bill defines key terms and permits the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices in specific areas such as school zones, pedestrian safety zones, and intersections with a history of traffic violations or accidents. The bill requires coordination between the city's Bureau of Engineering and Police Department, with state approval for devices on state highways, and mandates the creation of a citation hearing procedure. It sets fines at $50 for a first violation and $75 for subsequent violations, with an additional fee of up to $15 for electronic processing. Revenue from fines is designated for traffic safety improvements. The bill includes insertions that clarify fine amounts and the adoption of the citation hearing procedure, and it specifies that personally identifiable information is protected and not considered a public record.
The bill also requires the city of Waterbury to report on the program's effectiveness to the Department of Transportation and legislative committees within 18 months of the devices becoming operational. It amends existing statutes to update the citation notification and contesting process, including the adoption of gender-neutral language. The fiscal impact statement indicates no state impact but potential costs and revenue gains for Waterbury from FY 24 onwards. The bill includes privacy protections for vehicle owners' information, with requirements for destruction of such information within one year unless needed for fine collection. The bill is related to sHB 5917, which allows the use of speed and red light cameras in certain zones, and has received a favorable vote from the Public Safety and Security Committee.