LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 5, 2009

TO:	Honorable Joseph Pickett, Chair, House Committee on Transportation
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB55 by Branch (Relating to an offense of using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Transportation Code to prohibit an operator of a motor vehicle from using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle within a school crossing zone unless the vehicle is stopped or the wireless device is used with a hands-free device. An exception to the use of a wireless communication device in a school zone would be allowed for making an emergency call to certain entities. The change in law would apply only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of the bill, which would take effect on September 1, 2009.

It is anticipated that any costs associated with enforcement would be absorbed using existing
resources.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

405 Department of Public Safety

LBB Staff:

JOB, KJG, DB