Rogers’ Photo Radar Bill Stalls in Committee – Again

Senate Continuing Resolution SCR1002, introduced by Senator Wendy Rogers (R-LD7), prohibits using photo enforcement systems statewide. If passed, the measure would proceed to the ballot for the voters to decide. This iteration of the photo radar ban represents the 18th annual attempt at such legislation. Over the past 18 years, Arizona has seen multiple legislative efforts to ban or regulate photo radar enforcement, but none have passed into law.

Given the circumstances surrounding this Resolution, it appears unlikely that this will be the year – despite getting very close. Rogers also sponsored Senate Bill SB1019, which likewise prohibits photo radar use, but the bill would require Governor Hobbs’ signature, an unlikely outcome given her veto record.

SCR1002 initially passed Senate review but was placed into two committees in the House: the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Government Committee. Although Transportation approved the measure, it stalled under Government Committee Chairman Walt Blackman’s hand. Blackman (R-7) claims it was due to concerns over the bill’s language. However, some suspect that Blackman did it as “payback” for Rogers stalling Blackman’s Stolen Valor bill. It also highlighted concerns over the intent of dual-committee placements, an issue previously reported by the Globe here.

The dust-up between Blackman and Rogers began after Rogers held the Stolen Valor bill in committee, preventing a vote to allow it to move forward. Blackman allegedly responded by pulling SCR1002—the Photo Radar bill—from the Government Committee’s bill review agenda, despite a letter stating that it was due to the bill’s language. However, the timing of Blackman’s decision received significant scrutiny on social media, especially by proponents of the bill.

The Globe reviewed Blackman’s letter to Rogers detailing several policy concerns with SCR1002. In the letter, Blackman thanked Rogers for sponsoring SCR1002 and her commitment to public safety and accountability. He wrote, “Thank you for your leadership in bringing forward SCR1002 and for your continued commitment to public safety and government accountability.”

He then explained his reasoning for pulling the bill from the Government Committee agenda: “After a thorough review of the bill and its potential consequences, I have decided, as Chair, not to schedule SCR1002 for a hearing at this time. While I support the underlying concept… there are several unintended consequences associated with the current language… that must be addressed before it can responsibly move forward.”

Following a detailed list of concerns, Blackman added, “I want to be clear that I support the concept you are working toward and believe it has merit. I encourage you and your staff to continue refining this proposal, keeping in mind the financial, public safety, and enforcement implications.”

He concluded the letter by reaffirming his willingness to collaborate and clarifying the bill’s current status: “On March 20th, 2025, I approved the release of SCR1002 to another committee, and that approval still stands. Of course, it remains at your discretion to formally remove SCR1002 from the Government Committee should you wish to proceed with it elsewhere.”

Rogers effectively had just one day to move the bill to another committee, and that time has since passed. Now, the only sliver of hope for SCR1002 is if Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-29) allows SCR1002 to pass to the Rules Committee since it has effectively cleared one committee. The Globe reached out to Speaker Montenegro regarding this but has not yet received a response.

Given its history, we will likely see another photo radar bill next session, for the 19th year in a row.