BILL ANALYSIS

Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

By: Jones, Jesse
04-28-95
4-28-95


BACKGROUND

The 72nd Legislature passed S.B. 460, which mandated that cities
with a population over 850,000 provide school crossing guards. 
These crossing guards could be funded, in part, by an additional
$1.50 motor vehicle registration fee imposed at the option of the
county.  Most counties have chosen not to impose this additional
registration fee, however, leaving cities without an adequate
funding source to pay for this mandatory service.

PURPOSE

If enacted, H.B. 580 increase the court costs imposed on
individuals who speed within school crossing zones.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency, or institution.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Article 102.014(c), Code of Criminal Procedure
(Court Costs For Child Safety Fund in Municipalities), by
increasing the amount to be paid as municipal court costs for the
offense of speeding within a school crossing zone from $20 to $25.

SECTION 2.

     (a) Effective date:  September 1, 1995.

     (b) Change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense
     committed on or after effective date.

     (c) Makes effects of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HB 580 was considered by the full committee in a public hearing on
March 27, 1995.  The following person testified in favor of the
bill:

     Cletis Millsap, Justice of the Peace, Hopkins County,
     representing himself.

HB 580 was left pending.  HB 580 was considered by the full
committee in a formal meeting on April 28, 1995.  The bill was
reported favorably without amendment with the recommendation that
it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0
pnv, and 2 absent.