LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

February 25, 2009

TO:	Honorable Joseph Pickett, Chair, House Committee on Transportation
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB400 by Herrero (Relating to the dismissal of a charge of unlawfully parking a vehicle in a space designated specifically for persons with disabilities.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Transportation Code to require a court to dismiss a charge for not displaying a handicap plate or placard while parked in a marked handicap parking space if certain criteria are met. In addition, the bill would authorize a court to dismiss a charge of unlawfully parking a vehicle in a parking space designated for handicap parking if the defendant's vehicle displays an appropriate placard that has been expired for more than 60 days.

Except for repeat offenses, which carry a higher punishment, the offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $250 or more than $500. Dismissal of charges would result in a slight revenue loss if a fine would have otherwise been imposed.

Local Government Impact

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

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, KJG, DB