Stop DC CAMERA Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5525
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-18: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 19.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-16T19:17:46Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 5525: Stop DC CAMERA Act
Purpose
This bill aims to eliminate the District of Columbia's (DC) legal authority to operate automated traffic enforcement systems, such as red light cameras, and to install signs banning right turns at red lights. It seeks to restore greater driver autonomy by removing these specific traffic control measures, framing them as overly restrictive enforcement tools.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The legislation is titled the "Stop DC Capital Authoritarian Motorvehicle Enforcement and Restoration of Autonomy Act" or the "Stop DC CAMERA Act."
- Repeal of Automated Traffic Enforcement: Fully repeals Section 9e of the District of Columbia Traffic Act, 1925 (codified at D.C. Official Code § 50-2201.04e), which previously allowed DC to use cameras and sensors for issuing traffic violations automatically.
- Repeal of Right-Turn Signage Authority: Fully repeals Title IX of the Fiscal Year 1997 Budget Support Act of 1996 (codified at D.C. Official Code § 50-2209.01), which permitted DC to place signs prohibiting right turns on red at certain intersections.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill directly nullifies two targeted sections of DC's traffic laws, stripping the local government of its ability to enforce these rules through technology or signage.
- It does not alter broader traffic laws but specifically ends federal-granted permissions for these automated and restrictive measures, effectively reverting to pre-existing manual enforcement options where applicable.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DC government, particularly its Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Police Department, would lose tools for automated ticketing, potentially reducing revenue from fines (estimated in the millions annually) and requiring shifts to manual patrols, which could strain resources.
- On Citizens: DC drivers and residents may face fewer automated citations, leading to potential cost savings but also possible increases in certain violations if enforcement weakens. It could promote smoother traffic flow by allowing more right turns on red where previously banned.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic traffic policy issue confined to U.S. federal oversight of DC.
Main Stakeholders
- DC Residents and Drivers: Primary beneficiaries or affected parties, as they would experience changes in traffic enforcement and daily driving rules.
- DC Local Government: Loses enforcement authority and associated fine revenues, affecting budgeting for traffic safety programs.
- Federal Congress: Exercises oversight, as the bill reflects Congress's constitutional power to regulate DC laws (under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution).
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations focused on privacy, civil liberties (e.g., opposing surveillance cameras), or motorist rights may support this, while traffic safety advocates could oppose it.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The repeals are straightforward but could lead to legal challenges if DC argues they infringe on local home rule authority granted by the District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973. Courts might review whether Congress oversteps in micromanaging local traffic rules.
- Constitutional: Highlights ongoing tensions over DC's lack of full statehood; Congress retains plenary power over the District, allowing such interventions without state-level veto, which underscores debates on DC's self-governance.
- Political: The bill's introduction by Rep. Perry and referral to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability signals partisan interest in curbing perceived "overreach" by DC officials. It may fuel broader discussions on federal-local relations, especially in a divided Congress, but as an introduced bill (not yet passed), its enactment remains uncertain.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Ogles, Andrew [R-TN-5], Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-18: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 19.
- 2026-03-18: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-19: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-09-19: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Stop DC Capital Authoritarian Motorvehicle Enforcement and Restoration of Autonomy Act — issued 2025-09-19 — PDF (2 pages)