The Missouri Supreme Court ruled 6-1 that several red-light camera programs in the state were unconstitutional. The cities treated the fines like parking tickets, which are tied to the vehicle, but should have treated the fines like moving violations, which are tied to the driver. Since the cameras failed to capture a photo of the driver, shifting the burden of persuasion to the driver to prove he or she was not in the vehicle was unconstitutional. Read more at St. Louis Public Radio.
The Virginia House of Delegates is locked in a dispute with the Virginia Senate and Governor regarding whether a special session of the state General Assembly has been adjourned. At stake is a temporary appointment made by Governor Terry McAuliffe to the state supreme court. The Republicans in the legislature wish to replace this pick with their own selection, but senate Democrats joined by one Republican claim they adjourned the session before the matter was taken up. Read more at the Washington Post.
The Alaska Legislature has retained counsel to sue Governor Bill Walker over his unilateral decision to accept Medicare expansion funding under the Affordable Care Act. Legislative leaders claim the governor exceeded his power under the state constitution by acting unilaterally. Read more at Alaska Dispatch News.
