The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee convened on July 16, 2025, to discuss significant legislative measures aimed at enhancing traffic safety and reforming red light camera enforcement in California. The meeting began with procedural updates, including a motion to vote on various bills, despite the absence of a quorum.

The first major item on the agenda was Senate Bill 11, which received a motion to pass as amended to appropriations. Following this, Senator Ashby introduced Senate Bill 720, known as the Safer Streets Act. This bill proposes a new framework for red light camera systems, allowing cities to opt into a program designed to reduce traffic fatalities, particularly in high-collision zones. Senator Ashby highlighted the alarming statistic that over 4,000 Californians died in traffic collisions in 2021, with a significant portion attributed to red light violations.

The current red light enforcement system, which relies on facial recognition technology, was criticized for being outdated and ineffective. The proposed legislation aims to shift liability from drivers to vehicle owners, thereby eliminating the need for facial identification. Instead of criminal penalties, SB 720 would impose civil penalties for violations, easing the financial burden on families and reducing the impact on insurance rates.

Supporters of the bill, including advocates from Streets Are For Everyone and Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, provided compelling testimonies about the urgent need for reform. They emphasized that modernizing the red light camera program could significantly enhance road safety for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists. The bill also includes provisions for cities to develop guidelines for implementing the program based on collision data, ensuring that enforcement is focused on areas with the highest need.

The committee members expressed strong support for the bill, with several members requesting to be added as co-authors. They acknowledged the powerful testimonies from victims of traffic violence and the necessity of creating safer streets for children and vulnerable road users.

As the meeting progressed, the committee moved to vote on SB 720, reflecting a collective commitment to improving traffic safety in California. The discussions underscored a growing recognition of the need for legislative action to address the public health crisis posed by traffic violence and to modernize enforcement practices in line with contemporary safety standards. The committee's next steps will involve further deliberation on the bill and its potential impact on communities across the state.