SPEEDING TOWARD SURVEILLANCE: ARIZONA LAWMAKERS IGNORE VOTER OPPOSITION AND PROPOSE EXPANDING TRAFFIC CAMERAS
EXCLUSIVE: State 48 News finds two lawmakers who once fought against traffic cameras now leading the charge to expand photo radar statewide—what changed?
**NEW FEBRUARY 4, 2025**
Shortly after our story published on February 3rd, we received a statement from Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers.
Sen. Rogers presents her bill, SB1019, before the Senate Public Safety Committee on Wednesday afternoon.
***PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 3, 2025**
Arizona voters have repeatedly rejected photo radar, but now, a new bill aims to expand automated traffic enforcement statewide—with backing from two lawmakers who once opposed it.
State 48 News extended interview invitations to both sponsors of the SB1146, Senators Kevin Payne (R-LD27) and Frank Carroll (R-LD28). Senator Payne initially agreed but has since declined, while Senator Carroll has not responded. Both lawmakers are listed on the 2019 House bill of 20 representatives who sought to ban photo radar across Arizona six years ago.
So, what changed? We examine the shifting stance, the financial implications, and the real impact on vehicle owners - not just drivers (you’ll why in a moment). With concerns mounting over traffic safety, privacy, and rising fees, we ask: Who truly benefits from this expansion?
Former Arizona House Representative Austin Smith, a vocal critic of photo radar, spoke exclusively with State 48 News about the new legislation and its potential consequences.
Smith highlights a potential conflict of interest, pointing out that lawmakers could financially benefit from the expansion of photo radar. A portion of the fees attached to traffic tickets is funneled into Clean Elections, which helps fund the campaigns of participating candidates—raising serious questions about transparency and accountability.
“I don’t think that’s fair. If you’re a democrat, and you get a fine, and some of it you pay goes into Clean Elections, you may be funding a republican’s campaign. Or if you’re a republican, you may be funding a democrat’s campaign. Or let’s say you’re an independent, and you don’t like either party, and you’re essentially funding their campaign. That’s wrong.” He points out, “You’re being forced to do something - having an ideological or maybe a moral opposition against. Maybe you don’t like participating in elections. And you’re funding these elections. And so we live in a country where you can vote or not vote. The same should apply whether you donate or not. Just because you broke the law, you shouldn’t be responsible for funding a political campaign for a referendum question that you disagree with.”
-Austin Smith - February 3, 2025
As part of this investigation, we requested an interview with Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14). He declined, stating that, out of respect, he prefers not to comment on members’ bills until they have progressed further in the legislative process.
Flip-Flopping on Photo Radar?
2019: A Strong Stance Against Photo Radar
As a state representative in 2019, then-Rep. Payne was the primary sponsor of House Bill 2635 (HB2635), which aimed to ban photo radar across Arizona. The bill sought to eliminate the use of automated enforcement systems by both local and state authorities, a move that aligned with growing concerns over due process violations and revenue-driven enforcement. HB2635 never made it past the committee stage, but Payne’s sponsorship made his stance crystal clear: he opposed photo radar.
2025: Payne's Sudden Support for Automated Enforcement
Fast-forward to 2025, and Senator Payne’s position appears to have done a complete 180. He is now a co-sponsor of legislation, SB1146—alongside Senator Frank Carroll—which expands the use of automated traffic cameras. This new bill:
Allows private vendors to increase fines beyond $350 by tacking on extra fees.
Automatically holds vehicle owners liable, regardless of who was actually driving.
Ignoring Voters?
This reversal is even more shocking given Payne’s constituents in Peoria overwhelmingly oppose photo radar. In 1991, 70% of Peoria voters chose to ban traffic cameras—a clear signal that the public is against this form of enforcement.
The sentiment resonates across the entire state.
In November 2015, Tucson voters passed Proposition 201, banning traffic enforcement cameras citywide. The measure prohibited red-light and speed camera evidence from being used in court, effectively shutting down automated enforcement. This decisive vote reflected strong public opposition to photo radar in Arizona.
Despite this, Phoenix is bringing red-light cameras back. In October 2024, Phoenix voted to bring back red-light cameras at 10 high-risk intersections, citing rising traffic fatalities since the program ended in 2019. The cameras will be operational by fall 2025, with a public education campaign and a 30-day warning period before ticketing begins.
As automated enforcement expands, it's not just photo radar making a comeback—automated license plate readers (ALPRs) are on the rise, especially in the West Valley.
State 48 News’ Jennifer Barber has been covering the rapid expansion of Flock cameras in Goodyear, Buckeye, and Litchfield Park, raising questions about privacy, surveillance, and how this data is being used.
Governor Katie Hobbs Blocked a Ban on Arizona Photo Radar Before
In May 2023, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1234, which aimed to ban photo radar and red-light cameras across Arizona. The bill, backed by Senator Wendy Rogers, would have eliminated automated traffic enforcement, citing privacy concerns.
Hobbs sided with law enforcement, arguing that photo radar improves road safety, particularly in school zones, and helps allocate police resources more effectively. Her veto keeps controversial traffic cameras operational, despite growing public opposition.
This marked yet another high-profile veto by Hobbs, fueling Arizona’s ongoing battle over automated enforcement and civil liberties.
WHAT’S NEXT - THIS WEDNESDAY
SB1146, the proposed industry expansion bill, has yet to be scheduled for a hearing. Meanwhile, Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers will present her bill, SB1019, before the Senate Public Safety Committee on Wednesday afternoon.
Senate Bill 1019 (SB1019) seeks to prohibit the use of photo enforcement systems for traffic violations in Arizona. The bill proposes amending and repealing specific sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes to eliminate authorization for automated traffic enforcement mechanisms. If enacted, this legislation would ban the deployment of devices that detect and record traffic violations through photographic means.
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