Honorable Kenny Marchant, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB624 by Menendez (Relating to an offense of using a telephone while operating a motor vehicle.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
This bill would amend Chapter 545 of the Transportation Code to make the use of a telephone while operating a motor vehicle a misdemeanor punishable by a fine ranging from $25 to $100, or $125 to $200 if the violation occurs within a school crossing zone. Unlike speeding violations, the behavior outlawed by the bill only could be enforced by an officer directly observing the behavior as opposed to passively scanning traffic with a radar gun. It is anticipated that the local revenue from fines would not be significant.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
304 Comptroller Of Public Accounts, 405 Department Of Public Safety