Iowa lawmaker's measure would ban red-light, speed cameras

A Republican lawmaker has introduced a proposed state constitutional amendment that would outlaw traffic cameras used to catch speeders and red-light runners, but the proposal could run into trouble in the Senate.

Rep. David Tjepkes of Gowrie introduced the measure a year after the House approved legislation that limited fines based on the cameras. The Senate didn't take action on that bill, and the chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee doesn't seem eager to act quickly on the issue this session.

Democratic Sen. Tom Rielly, of Oskaloosa, told The Des Moines Register on Wednesday he wants to see what comes out of the House but favors a slower, information-gathering approach.

A constitutional amendment is a multi-year process that requires approval by two general assemblies and a statewide vote.