March 7, 2022 Group Watch: Lt. Governor Offers Bill Limiting Municipal Traffic Revenue
Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth announced legislation aiming to prevent aggressive traffic policing tactics such as those reported by the Brookside Police Department. According to a media outlet, the in 2020, the town of Brookside generated 49 percent of its revenue from traffic fines. The town’s recorded population sits at 1,253 residents. Ainsworth’s legislation would require that only 10 percent of a municipality’s budget may consist of traffic fines and penalties. Any additional traffic-related revenue received by a municipality must be directed to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund and the Fair Trial Tax Fund. Ainsworth called for the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts to conduct a forensic audit of the Brookside Police Department. Ainsworth’s legislation is carried by Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) and Rep. Louise Alexander (D-Bessemer).
