In order to protect a substantial amount of the city's revenue sources, Jersey Village City Council members and city officials have opposed two bills authored by Rep. Gary Elkins, R–Houston.

"In reviewing these particular house bills, it becomes apparent there would be a dramatic impact on the city's traffic safety program, and it would have the net effect of basically cutting the program as it exists at this point," said Mike Castro, city manager.

HB 2420 states that a governing entity may implement and maintain red light cameras and that motorists may be held liable for a civil penalty if a violation occurs during a steady red light. The legislation does not allow the city, however, to collect fines from vehicles turning right on a red light.

HB 2421 would allow motorists to register their vehicle regardless of civil penalties owed to the city or governing entity. Revenues from vehicle registrations are deposited in the state highway fund. According to an analysis by the Legislative Budget Board, the bill, if passed, could result in a registration fee increase.

According to the Legislative Budget Board, other cities around the state of Texas, including Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Garland and others stand to lose between $360,000 and $2.2 million if the bill passes.

"It would mean a significant shortfall, and we do fund police officers with these moneys," Castro said. "The general fund would have to absorb these costs. This would have a dramatic and immediate influence and impact on our financial posture here in the city."

More than 30 municipalities throughout the state utilize red light cameras and stand to be affected by the legislation, and a majority of law enforcement agencies and municipal groups are expressing opposition to the bills, according to Eric Foerster, Jersey Village chief of police.

Revenue generated from system violations are split evenly between the respective municipality and the state's Regional Trauma Account—which was established during the 80th Legislative Session to fund the maintenance of trauma facilities, medical services and administration in the region.

Last year, about $16.7 million in civil penalties was deposited in to the state's Regional Trauma Account.