SRC-JXG H.B. 385 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 385 76R8274 WP-FBy: Walker (Duncan) Education 5/11/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, a school bus cannot legally exceed 50 miles per hour, except on interstate highways, where they can travel 55 miles per hour. This limitation includes school buses used for extracurricular activities. H.B. 385 would apply the same speed to a passenger car as to a school bus carrying students and personnel on extracurricular activities, or to a school bus on an interstate highway outside an urban district. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 385 applies the same speed applicable to a passenger car to a school bus carrying students and personnel on extracurricular activities or to a school bus on an interstate highway outside an urban district. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Sections 545.352(b) and (c), Transportation Code, as follows: (b) Provides that the following speeds are lawful: outside an urban district: 50 miles per hour if the vehicle is a school bus on a highway other than an interstate highway, except as provided by Subsection (c); 55 miles per hour if the vehicle is a school bus on an interstate highway, except as provided by Subsection (c), unless a special hazard exists that requires a slower speed for compliance with Section 545.351(b). (c) Provides that the speed limits for a school bus transporting students and necessary personnel on extracurricular activities is the same as required for a passenger car at the same time and location. Requires each school district to establish a speed limit, not to exceed the maximum prima facie speed limit established by this section, for each type of bus used by the school district to ensure the safety of students being transported on the bus, with the approval of the board of trustees. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.