LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 9, 2009

TO:	Honorable Joseph Pickett, Chair, House Committee on Transportation
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1158 by Truitt (Relating to an enhanced penalty for an operator who commits certain traffic offenses while using a wireless communication device.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Transportation Code to at least double the fine imposed for an offense under Title 7, Subtitle C, Transportation Code (Rules of the Road) if at the time a person commits an offense they were using a wireless communication device without the use of a hands-free device.

General fines for violations under Subtitle C are from not less than $1 to not more than $200 under current statute. A portion of general fines are submitted to the state. In addition, a state traffic fine of $30 is also imposed for violations under Subtitle C.

While it is unknown how many violations would occur or how much fine would be imposed on each, it is assumed the revenue gain would not be significant.

Local Government Impact

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

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, KJG, JB, DB, HC