LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 28, 2009

TO:	Honorable Joe Straus, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1343 by Menendez (Relating to blind and disabled pedestrians and failure of the operator of a motor vehicle to yield the right-of-way. ), As Passed 2nd House

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Transportation Code relating to blind and disabled pedestrians and failure of the operator of a motor vehicle to yield the right-of-way to those pedestrians. The bill would amend Chapter 552 (pedestrians) to create a penalty of a fine of up to $500 and a community service requirement for a motor vehicle driving offense resulting in injury or death to a blind, visually impaired, or disabled person. The bill would also amend the Transportation Code to enhance the level of punishment for the offense of reckless driving if the offense results in the serious bodily injury or death of an operator or passenger of another motor vehicle. The bill would also amend the Education Code relating to determining a student's eligibility for a school district's special education program on the basis of the student's visual impairment. The bill would take effect September 1, 2009.

Local Government Impact

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

Source Agencies:

304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 538 Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Department of

LBB Staff:

JOB, ESi, KJG, SD, DB