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.