Wisconsin legislators heard testimony on a red light camera bill that proponents said would protect public safety, though some expressed concerns about targeting Milwaukee residents and civil liberties.

The bill, which is supported by Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, Mayor Cavalier Johnson, and numerous Milwaukee city council members, would allow for up to 75 traffic cameras in Milwaukee.

A Milwaukee legislator said the bill would address a ‘culture problem’ in the city, likely referencing an increase in traffic related deaths.

“This legislation is in the mindset we have a culture problem and this is a way to address it,” said Sen. Dora Drake, D-Milwaukee, at the hearing, who co-authored the bill.

Traffic deaths have increased by 34 percent in Milwaukee County since 2019, marked by dangerous incidents such as ‘street takeovers’ where people perform dangerous maneuvers such as donuts and drifting.

While the benefits to public safety were touted at the hearing, some are concerned about its effect on civil liberties, including Senator Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee. (RELATED: Mayor Johnson Pushes Wheel Tax Hike to Plug Budget Hole)

The American Civil Liberties Union has previously shared concerns about red light cameras, with the organization saying that the cameras could undermine due process rights and urging that red light camera legislation be put on pause until due process issues are resolved.

“The tickets are sent to the owner of a car, who was not necessarily the person committing the alleged violation. The burden of proof usually then falls on the owner to prove he or she was not driving at the time. This is a violation of the bedrock American principle that the accused be considered innocent until proven guilty.” (RELATED: State Senator Accuses Milwaukee of Repurposing Funds for Police for Raises Elsewhere)