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GeorgiaHB 6512025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Motor vehicles; use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices in school zones; revise provisions

Sponsored By: James Burchett (Republican), John Corbett (Republican), Chris Erwin (Republican), Rob Leverett (Republican), Alan Powell (Republican), Bruce Williamson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Motor VehiclesRulesGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Voters decide on school-zone camera contracts

Beginning July 1, 2027, local governments and their police agencies need voter approval to enter or renew most school-zone camera contracts. More than half the votes cast must support approval, which allows camera enforcement for six years. After rejection, the question cannot return for three years. The local government pays election costs. Contracts tied to a governing body's own business functions are exempt.

Drivers get speed thresholds and warnings

Beginning July 1, 2026, county, city, and campus officers can bring device-based speeding cases only above 10 mph over the posted limit. The law removes exceptions for marked school zones, historic districts, and residential zones. Beginning July 1, 2027, school-zone cameras require visible warning signs within 500 feet before the school-zone speed-reduction sign. Warning signs must be at least 24 by 30 inches, with yellow lights flashing when cameras may issue citations.

Camera operators face fines for misuse

Beginning July 1, 2026, Georgia's public safety commissioner may investigate agents after complaints about improper device use or law or permit violations. Intentional camera-rule violations carry a $2,500 fine for the first violation and $5,000 for the second. After a third or later finding, the commissioner may suspend the local speed-device permit. After notice, the transportation department must suspend the jurisdiction's camera permits for up to 12 months. Camera penalties count toward the 35% agency-budget test for presumed improper use; fines for speeding more than 20 mph over remain excluded.

Local governments can challenge camera suspensions

Beginning July 1, 2026, local governments have a right to a hearing after a camera permit is suspended or revoked. The transportation commissioner must hold it within 10 days after the order takes effect and issue a written decision. Affected governments may appeal to the proper superior court within 30 days after the decision takes effect. Cameras cannot be used while the appeal is pending.

New rules for camera enforcement cases

Beginning July 1, 2026, school-zone traffic cameras are exempt from state approval and design requirements for radar or laser devices. But the special evidence rule treating approved laser readings as reliable and admissible does not apply to these cameras. Listed district attorneys, solicitors-general, and probate- and municipal-court prosecutors may also bring civil cases to enforce school-zone camera penalties. This expanded authority does not itself change penalty amounts.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • James Burchett

    Republican • House

  • John Corbett

    Republican • House

  • Chris Erwin

    Republican • House

  • Rob Leverett

    Republican • House

  • Alan Powell

    Republican • House

  • Bruce Williamson

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Randy Robertson

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 623 • No: 97

House vote • 4/3/2026

Agree to Senate Amend to HAm to SSub

Yes: 156 • No: 14 • Other: 9

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

ADOPTION OF AMEND #1A BY SEN FROM THE 30TH TO AMEND #1 BY SEN FROM THE 29TH

Yes: 23 • No: 27 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

AGREE TO HOUSE AMENDMENT TO SENATE SUBSTITUTE AS AMENDED

Yes: 49 • No: 1 • Other: 3

House vote • 4/4/2025

Agree to Senate Sub as House Amended

Yes: 140 • No: 29 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/4/2025

ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT #1 BY THE SENATOR FROM THE 44TH

Yes: 40 • No: 15

Senate vote • 4/4/2025

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 51 • No: 3 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/4/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 164 • No: 8 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2026

  2. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/12/2026House

  3. Act 711

    5/12/2026

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026House

  5. House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub

    4/2/2026House

  6. Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub As Amended

    3/25/2026Senate

  7. Senate Transmitted House

    3/25/2026Senate

  8. Senate Taken from Table

    4/4/2025Senate

  9. Senate Third Read

    4/4/2025Senate

  10. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    4/4/2025Senate

  11. House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub As Amended

    4/4/2025House

  12. Senate Tabled

    4/2/2025Senate

  13. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/31/2025Senate

  14. Senate Read Second Time

    3/31/2025Senate

  15. Senate Withdrawn & Recommitted

    3/28/2025Senate

  16. Senate Read and Referred

    3/6/2025Senate

  17. House Third Readers

    3/4/2025House

  18. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/4/2025House

  19. House Committee Favorably Reported

    2/28/2025House

  20. House Second Readers

    2/27/2025House

  21. House Hopper

    2/26/2025House

  22. House First Readers

    2/26/2025House

Bill Text

  • HB 651/AP* (v15)

    PDF

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