On Tuesday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill that would allow all law enforcement agencies in the state to use cameras to catch people engaged in racing or extremely reckless driving, also known as exhibition driving.

HB474 The bill was sponsored by State Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Morris).

“Technology is improving and most cities have real-time crime centers where they can use the cameras to identify and track violators,” Treadaway said. “It's just a matter of law enforcement being able to use the cameras.”

“This bill would allow police to seize vehicles for 48 hours to further their investigation,” Treadaway continued. “This would apply to criminal laws across the state.”

“We don't like cameras,” said Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham. “Once we allow them, they're going to use them for other things.”

“We need to be able to leverage the technology we have to identify vehicles,” Treadaway said.

“The bill specifically prohibits traffic cameras, red light cameras and speed cameras,” Treadaway said. “Those are commercial enterprises. This bill doesn't allow that.” “The only thing that's allowed is technology that's controlled by the department.”

“I appreciate you introducing this bill. I appreciate the effort that's been put into this bill. I think it helps a lot,” said Rep. Pete Ream (R-Dothan).

“It's exploding,” Treadaway said of the increase in fair drives in cities across Alabama. “Obviously, we've had a number of fatalities in our area. We've had several people taken to the hospital with serious injuries.”

“This allows law enforcement to use their own technology to track down violators, rather than using a third party,” Treadaway said. “This is truly groundbreaking.”

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“If a car is stolen, would this help recover it?” said Rep. Rolanda Hollis (D-Birmingham).

Treadaway said that in Birmingham, where the bill was passed last year, 35 to 40 percent of cars impounded using this method were stolen.

“A lot of these are (stolen vehicles),” Treadaway said. “We're trying to get the vehicles back from the victims. We're seeing this happening all over the city, so we're committed to you that if we can utilize these cameras, we'll go to your home or business, seize your vehicle, hold it for at least 48 hours and determine if it's a stolen vehicle, and a lot of these are stolen vehicles.”

“Anything we can do to save lives is a good thing,” said Rep. Mark Gidley, R-Gadsden.

“Big Ten mayors have signed this,” Treadaway said, “and it's available to all law enforcement agencies.”

Treadaway is a former deputy police chief for the city of Birmingham. Rep. Travis Hendricks (D-Birmingham) is a police sergeant.

“I appreciate this bill,” Hendricks said. “We need these cameras,” Hendricks said. “If we can identify these criminals, we can get warrants and seize these vehicles. These cameras are important to me as a professional.”

“We need to keep these criminals in prison,” Hendrix said of repeat offenders. “They get released within 24 hours and then this weekend they're going to do it again.”

“Thanks, Sergeant,” Treadaway said, “We'll work on penalties next year if necessary.”

The bill passed the House 102-0. It now heads to the Senate for consideration. Thursday marks the 26th day of the 2024 legislative session.

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