Georgia lawmakers fail to pass school zone speed camera reforms, leaving drivers frustrated

ATLANTA - For the second straight year, Georgia lawmakers ended their legislative session without passing reforms or a ban on controversial school zone speed cameras, leaving thousands of drivers frustrated and two high-profile bills in limbo until 2026.

Despite bipartisan momentum early in the session and mounting public pressure, both proposals—one to ban the automated ticketing systems outright and another to implement sweeping reforms—failed to cross the finish line before lawmakers adjourned Sine Die Friday night.

The backstory:

The speed cameras, intended to protect children near schools, have come under fire after the FOX 5 I-Team exposed issues in three cities where drivers received tickets while cameras and school zone warning lights weren't in sync.

The reform measure, sponsored by Rep. Alan Powell, R-Hartwell, would have kept the cameras but included driver-friendly changes, such as requiring feedback signs that display vehicle speeds before entering a monitored zone.

What they're saying:

"I think that this issue is serious enough that the public expects some changes to be made," Powell said.

"It is wrong, and it’s time for us to take a stand and do something about it," said Rep. Dale Washburn, R-Macon, who led the push for a full ban. More than 100 lawmakers signed on to his bill.

"If that light had been flashing, I’m fairly confident I would have slowed down," said ticketed Atlanta driver Ivan DeQuesada. Another driver, James Murphy, added, "They shouldn't be raking in money from dozens of cars driving down the road when there's no light blinking, signaling the speed limit is 25."

What we know:

Both the ban and the reform bills sailed through the House but faced headwinds in the Senate amid heavy lobbying and internal disagreements. Lawmakers cited pressure from private companies that install and operate the cameras, which have donated more than $728,000 to state political groups in recent years. That includes $215,000 to the Georgia House Republican Trust, $110,000 to the Georgia Republican Senatorial Committee, and $209,500 to Lt. Gov. Burt Jones's leadership committee and campaign.

"There are a number of very powerful lobbyists that were hired to represent these school zone camera companies," Washburn said. "These camera companies have taken millions of dollars."

The other side:

Senate Republicans also voiced personal concerns. Senate Majority Whip Randy Robertson, R-Cataula, took issue with Washburn having received a citation himself.

"I’ve got six children in Muscogee County that have been hit. Four have died in school zones," Robertson said. "We did a real unique thing with [our tickets]. We paid them."

The Senate Rules Committee weakened Washburn’s bill by adding a provision to allow the cameras to continue operating for three more years. The Senate passed the revised bill Friday, but it lacked House approval.

"So, after three years, there’ll be no more school zone speed cameras?" reporter Johnny Edwards asked Senate Rules Chairman Matt Brass, R-Newnan.

"Unless we vote to extend the sunset," Brass replied.

Big picture view:

Powell’s reform bill also suffered key revisions in the Senate. One stripped-out provision would have mandated the use of radar feedback signs. Powell returned the bill to the House to restore those changes, but time ran out before the Senate reconvened.

"I don’t think it does what needs to be done, quite frankly," Powell said.

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones banged the gavel around 9 p.m. Friday night, marking the end of the session. "We’re Sine Die," he declared as lawmakers tossed papers into the air.

What's next:

Because the General Assembly runs on two-year cycles, both bills remain alive for consideration in 2026. Powell plans to reintroduce his reforms with the restored provisions, while Washburn says he will continue to push for a true ban—without the three-year delay.

Speaker of the House Jon Burns, who supported Powell’s proposal, said in a statement, "The Georgia House passed legislation to clarify and strengthen the regulations surrounding the use of school zone cameras, including provisions which designate that funds from violations be directed to school safety initiatives.

Adding, "We’re looking forward to the Senate taking action on these measures next year."

SEE ALSO:

• Proposed bill banning speed cameras in Georgia diluted with three-year extension
• School zone camera bills: One to ban them, one to reform. But both overturn the system
• School zone speed cameras clash: Georgia lawmakers to debate on ban vs. reform
• Fight to ban school zone speed cameras begins in Georgia House
• Ga. lawmaker aims to shut down school zone speed cameras

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