Georgia Lawmakers Pass Bill Impacting School Speed Zone Cameras

House Bill 651 could allow for local referendums on speed zone camera contracts across the state.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:36am

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a speeding car passing a school zone sign, the vehicle's motion repeated in overlapping, geometric waves of deep blue, bright yellow, and crimson red, creating a sense of speed and movement.A new Georgia law gives local communities a say on the future of controversial school speed zone cameras, which some argue are more about revenue than safety.Jackson Today

In the final hours of the Georgia legislative session, lawmakers passed House Bill 651, which could impact school speed zone cameras across the state. The bill would require local referendums every six years for any county or municipality with speed cameras, as well as a vote for any new camera contracts. It also limits ticketing to those going over 10 mph above the speed limit, unless a local ordinance says otherwise.

Why it matters

The use of school speed zone cameras has been a contentious issue in Georgia, with some arguing they are unconstitutional and focused on revenue rather than safety. This bill gives local communities more control over whether to continue or start using the cameras.

The details

House Bill 651 was passed in the final hours of the Georgia legislative session. The bill requires a local referendum every six years for any county or municipality that has speed zone cameras, as well as a vote for any new camera contracts. It also limits ticketing to those going over 10 mph above the speed limit, unless a local ordinance says otherwise. Locations like Butts County and the City of Jackson already have similar rules in place, but Sheriff Gary Long argues the cameras are still unconstitutional and focused on revenue rather than safety.

  • House Bill 651 was passed on the final day of the 2026 Georgia Legislative Session.

The players

House Bill 651

A bill passed by the Georgia legislature that could impact the use of school speed zone cameras across the state.

Sheriff Gary Long

The sheriff of Butts County, Georgia, who has expressed strong opposition to the use of speed zone cameras, arguing they are unconstitutional and focused on revenue rather than safety.

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What they’re saying

“Worst thing that they've ever allowed to happen in the state, in my opinion. They're very unconstitutional, have no place in our communities.”

— Sheriff Gary Long, Butts County Sheriff

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This bill gives local communities more control over whether to continue or start using school speed zone cameras, which have been a contentious issue in Georgia. It remains to be seen how communities will vote on the cameras' future.