HB 294

SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS ON FEDERAL INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS Present law generally prohibits s urveillance cameras on federal interstate highways , except for (i) SmartWay cameras; (ii) other intelligent transportation sy stem cameras; and ( iii ) s urveillance cameras used to enforce or monitor traffic violations within work zones designated by the department of transportation when employees of the department or construction workers are present if the cameras are operated onl y by a state entity. This bill also allows s urveillance cameras under (iii) above if such cameras are used to a id in the investigation and prevention of terrorism and state criminal offenses other than traffic violations. COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES, SUR VEILLANCE CAMERAS ON ROADS This bill authorizes a county or municipality to purchase, install, operate, and maintain surveillance cameras on any public road or highway, other than a federal interstate highway, for the purpose of aiding in the investigati on and prevention of terrorism and state criminal offenses if (i) s uch use is consistent with the continued use, operations, maintenance, and safety of the highway facility and does not interfere with the free and safe flow of traffic; (ii) t he cameras are only operated by local law enforcement agencies; (iii) t he cameras are not used to enforce or monitor state or local traffic violations or issue citations for such violations; and (iv) if the cameras are used on state roads, the local law enforcement agen cy has obtained approval from the department of transportation prior to the installation and operation of the cameras , and the cameras and their use comply with the present law requirements.