RED LIGHT CAMERAS: GENERAL REVENUE FOR THE STATE?
The protracted battle over red light cameras seemed to have been resolved by a compromise reached during the 2007 legislative session. Cities were allowed to continue operating red light cameras, in exchange for surrendering half of the resulting fine revenue (after administrative expenses) to the state for use in funding trauma facilities at Texas hospitals. Further, the half that cities keep may be used only to fund traffic safety programs.
Now it appears that the State of Texas isn't keeping its share of the bargain when it comes to funding trauma centers. The Lone Star Report, a weekly newsletter covering Texas politics, points out in its September 28 issue that the legislature failed to actually appropriate the state's share of red light camera fine revenue to trauma centers, meaning the money is available for state general revenue purposes.
Ironically, cities had been accused of using red light camera revenue purely for profit. Until the legislature takes further action, however, it’s the State of Texas that has the revenue available for general fund purposes.