| |
|
|
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
|
|
|
AN ACT
|
|
|
relating to the enforcement of fares imposed for the use of certain |
|
|
public transportation systems. |
|
|
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
|
|
SECTION 1. Section 451.0611, Transportation Code, is |
|
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
|
Sec. 451.0611. ENFORCEMENT OF FARES AND OTHER CHARGES; |
|
|
PENALTIES. (a) A board by resolution may prohibit the use of mass |
|
|
transit [the public transportation system] by a person who fails to |
|
|
possess evidence showing that the appropriate fare for the use of |
|
|
the mass transit [system] has been paid and may establish |
|
|
reasonable and appropriate methods to ensure that persons using the |
|
|
mass transit [public transportation system] pay the appropriate |
|
|
fare for that use. |
|
|
(b) A board by resolution may provide that a fare for or |
|
|
charge for the use of the mass transit [public transportation
|
|
|
system] that is not paid incurs a penalty, not to exceed $100. |
|
|
(c) The authority shall post signs designating each area in |
|
|
which a person is prohibited from using the mass transit the |
|
|
[transportation system] without possession of evidence showing |
|
|
that the appropriate fare has been paid. |
|
|
(d) A person commits an offense if: |
|
|
(1) the person or another for whom the person is |
|
|
criminally responsible under Section 7.02, Penal Code, uses the |
|
|
mass transit [public transportation system] and does not possess |
|
|
evidence showing that the appropriate fare has been paid; and |
|
|
(2) the person fails to pay the appropriate fare or |
|
|
other charge for the use of the mass transit [public transportation
|
|
|
system] and any penalty on the fare on or before the 30th day after |
|
|
the date the authority notifies the person that the person is |
|
|
required to pay the amount of the fare or charge and the penalty. |
|
|
(e) The notice required by Subsection (d)(2) may be included |
|
|
in a citation issued to the person under Article 14.06, Code of |
|
|
Criminal Procedure, in connection with an offense relating to the |
|
|
nonpayment of the appropriate fare or charge for the use of the mass |
|
|
transit [public transportation system]. |