BILL ANALYSIS
By: Truitt
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Accidents claim the lives of thousands of children every year. For example, according to kidsandcars.com, as of December 18, 2006, there were 568 incidents involving children left unattended in or around motor vehicles, resulting in 205 fatalities. The Brain Injury Association of America estimates brain injuries are the leading cause of death and permanent disabilities among children nationally. Accidents and the injuries they cause result in increased healthcare costs, pain and suffering for Texas families, as well as many unnecessary deaths. H.B. 1045 establishes the month of April as Child Safety Month and will enhance the knowledge of parents and teachers regarding preventative measures needed to protect our children.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
The bill establishes April as Child Safety Month to help ensure that Texas children grow up in a safe and supportive environment by promoting their protection and care through increased public awareness of ways to reduce accidental injury and death through various safety measures. The bill also seeks to increase public awareness of the dangers posed to children by being left in unattended and unlocked vehicles, as well as by being left in closed vehicles during hot or sunny weather. The bill requires that Child Safety Month be regularly observed in public schools and other places to promote the protection and care for children in Texas.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.