SRC-JBJ S.B. 977 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 977
77R5783 MTB-FBy: Van de Putte
Criminal Justice
3/28/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, although there is a law against driving recklessly, no law
exists that makes it a crime to intentionally drive in an aggressive or
intimidating manner.  As proposed, S.B. 977 makes such behavior an offense. 

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 Chapter 545I, Transportation Code, by adding Section
545.4011, as follows: 

Sec. 545.4011.  AGGRESSIVE DRIVING.  (a)  Sets forth actions by a person
committed while driving that constitute an offense. 

(b)  Provides that an offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor,
except as provided by Subsection (c). 

(c)  Provides that an offense under Subsection (a) is a felony of the
second degree if the offense results in serious bodily injury or death. 

  (d)  Sets forth provisions relating to the application of this section.

(e)  Authorizes the actor, if conduct constituting an offense under this
section also constitutes an offense under another section of this code or
the Penal Code, to be prosecuted under either section or under both
sections. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.