Quinn To Sign Speed Camera Legislation Into Law [UPDATE]
By Chuck Sudo in News on Feb 6, 2012 3:10PM
Today is the deadline day for Gov. Pat Quinn to make a decision on Senate Bill 965, aka the Chicago speed camera bill.
Last week The Expired Meter obtained a copy of a report from the governor's office that showed nine out of every 10 people who contacted his office were opposed to the bill. Yesterday, Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed reported that Quinn would sign the bill into law. SB 965, which has been championed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as a safety issue, could cover nearly half the city in speeding cameras.
Critics of the bill argue that the bill is an invasion of privacy and nothing more than a revenue generator for the city, since the cameras would be used to fine motorists anywhere from $50-$100 for speeding. Sneed reported her sources as saying both Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy and CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard said the city has a speeding problem “unique from other cities,” which was endangering kids.
Quin can either sign the bill, veto it, amend the bill, or let the bill become law without his signature. NBC 5's Mary Ann Ahern reported that Emanuel met with Quinn over the weekend to lobby for the bill.
[9:53 a.m. UPDATE] NBC 5 is reporting that Quinn signed the legislation into law.