A House panel Tuesday scrapped a proposal that would have prevented the use of red-light cameras to cite drivers for improperly turning right on red.

The House Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee eliminated the right-hand turn provision from a broader bill (HB 7071) about red-light cameras. The panel then voted 7-3 to approve the remaining parts of the bill, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Avila, R-Hialeah.

The bill would require local governments to use money from red-light camera violations for public-safety initiatives, rather than spending it on other programs. Also, the bill would require that notifications of red-light camera violations be sent to motorists by certified mail, rather than by first-class mail.

Rep. Kathleen Peters, R-South Pasadena, argued in favor of eliminating the provision that would have prevented citations for turning right on red. She said she initiated the use of red-light cameras while mayor of South Pasadena to improve safety.

"It really is about protecting the safety of pedestrians," she said.

Peters was one of the three dissenters on the overall bill, along with Rep. Hazel Rogers, D-Lauderdale Lakes, and Rep. Richard Stark, D-Weston. Supporting the bill were Avila; Chairman Clay Ingram, R-Pensacola; Rep. Bruce Antone, D-Orlando; Rep. Colleen Burton, R-Lakeland; Rep. Brad Drake, R-Eucheeanna; Rep. George Moraitis, R-Fort Lauderdale; and Rep. Lake Ray, R-Jacksonville.