Alabama Lawmakers Debate Work Zone Speed Cameras

0:00It's April 8th. Welcome to Birmingham News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. Alabama lawmakers just wrapped a heated debate on a bill to put speed cameras in highway work zones. Senate Bill 341 aims to launch a pilot program with a Department of Transportation, Law Enforcement Agency, and others install photo. Enforcement to catch speeders. The goal is boosting safety in those risky spots, with required reports on how well it works. Earlier this week, the House took up the Senate version and made a big change. Representative Jim Hill pushed through an amendment that stripped out the revenue from $250 tickets, passing $52 to $40. The full bill then sailed through $82 to $16. Lawmakers split hard on this one. Supporters argued it was slow drivers down and cut accidents without criminal penalties. Critics worried about due process like wrongly nailing innocent folks or using leans to collect fines. House Democrats mostly opposed it across the board. Now the Senate voted not to accept the House tweaks, sending everything to a conference committee for a compromise.

1:05With just two legislative days left this session, time is tight. This could still shape how Alabama tackles work zone dangers, but it'll come down to what those negotiators hammer out next. Stay tuned for the play by play.