A coalition of Nevada organizations has expressed strong opposition to a legislative proposal for traffic cameras, describing it as a "dangerous bill that lacks specifics and sacrifices civil liberties for potential revenue." The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nevada, alongside groups such as SEIU Local 1107, Planned Parenthood, Silver State Equality, and the NAACP chapters in Las Vegas and Reno/Sparks, sent a letter to the Nevada Assembly voicing their concerns.
The proposed Assembly Bill 402, introduced by Assemblymember Selena Torres Fossett, is positioned as a measure for construction zone safety. However, critics argue that it would significantly increase government surveillance by permitting unspecified cameras on public roadways and near sensitive locations like private residences and law offices.
Athar Haseebullah, Executive Director of ACLU of Nevada, criticized the bill: “AB402 is full of dangerous unknowns in an era where government intrusion into people’s lives is at a high. Allowing cameras to be placed on any roadway...invades your civil liberties in a disastrous way."
Kaylah Maese, Policy Analyst at ACLU of Nevada, pointed out the lack of details regarding the technology involved: “If construction workers are being subject to harm...that’s not what this proposal does.”
Quentin Savwoir from NAACP Las Vegas expressed concerns about community surveillance: “NAACP of Las Vegas is always concerned about harmful surveillance...We stand with ACLU of Nevada against the mass surveillance.”
Nick Shepack from the Fines and Fees Justice Center noted potential financial impacts: “This bill...will almost certainly operate as a revenue generator...disproportionately impact low-income Nevadans under the guise of public safety.”
The opposition letter reflects widespread concern over privacy implications and economic effects if AB402 moves forward.