The Reason Foundation recently honored state Rep. Dale Washburn, R-Macon, as the Lawmaker of the Year for his legislative efforts to reform the use of speed zone cameras in Georgia.
After Rep. Washburn sponsored House Bill 225 during the 2025 legislative session, which did not receive final passage or become law, House Bill 651 was introduced during the 2026 legislative session, received final passage and was later signed into law by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp.
HB 651 establishes new requirements for automated traffic enforcement safety devices in school zones, including requiring Department of Transportation permits and limiting citations to vehicles traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit during designated times around school start and dismissal. It also allows the Department of Public Safety to fine local governments for violations, reduces the electronic processing fee from $25 to $10 and requires local referendums every six years to continue camera contracts.
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