Hastings supports measure to ensure ethics in traffic enforcement

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings joined his colleagues in supporting legislation to establish ethical guidelines to address ongoing concerns regarding automated traffic enforcement.

“This new measure will ensure that there is accountability and ethical guidelines in place,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We need to ensure that our government officials are working with the best interests of the people they were elected to represent. This is a positive step in the right direction.”

Hastings served as a co-sponsor on House Bill 3903 which prohibits campaign contributions from contractors who provide the automated traffic enforcement equipment, political action committees created by a contractor and their affiliates.

Additionally, under the measure, six months prior to the installation of an automated traffic law enforcement system, a county or municipality would not be able to change the yellow light interval at that intersection.

Also, it is within the Illinois Department of Transportation’s jurisdiction that they can invalidate a permit for red light cameras if any official or employee that serves the county or municipality is charged with bribery, official misconduct, or a similar crime related to the placement, installation, or operation of the automated traffic law enforcement system.

House Bill 3903 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and will head to the governor’s desk for consideration.