SRC-SEW H.B. 1191 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1191
77R8919 DWS-FBy: Williams (Bernsen)
Intergovernmental Relations
5/9/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current state law, the commissioners court of a county has the
authority to adjust the speed limit on any road in the county that is not
part of the state highway system or within an incorporated municipality.
The law does not allow the commissioners court to reduce a speed limit to
less than 30 miles per hour. The Woodlands, being an unincorporated area,
is subject to determinations made by the commissioners court with regard to
speed limits. Because The Woodlands is a residential area with such hazards
as winding roads, limited visibility, and pedestrian traffic, 30 miles per
hour may be an unsafe speed limit on certain roads within The Woodlands.
H.B. 1191 authorizes the commissioners court of a county to reduce to 20
miles per hour the speed limit on a road within a residence district that
is not part of the state highway system or within an incorporated
municipality.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 545.355, Transportation Code, as follows:
 
Sec. 545.355.  Makes nonsubstantive changes.  Authorizes the commissioners
court of a county to declare a lower speed limit of not less than 30 miles
per hour on a county road or highway to which this section applies, if the
commissioners court determines that the prima facie speed limit on the road
or highway is unreasonable or unsafe; or 20 miles per hour in a residence
district.  
 
SECTION 2. Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2001.