LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 10, 2009

TO:	Honorable John Carona, Chair, Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB1028 by Watson (Relating to the use of safety belts while operating or riding in a passenger vehicle; creating an offense.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Transportation Code to require a person who is at least 15 years of age to be secured by a safety belt when a passenger in a motor vehicle regardless of where in the vehicle they are a passenger if safety belts are available; whereas under current statute, the requirement applies only if the person who is at least 15 years of age is a passenger in the front seat.

The bill would create as a misdemeanor offense the act of an operator of a motor vehicle that is equipped with safety belts allowing a person who is at least 17 years of age to ride in the vehicle without requiring the other person to be secured by a safety belt. The offense would be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of between $25 and $50.

Costs of enforcement and revenue gain from fines imposed are not expected to have a significant fiscal impact.

Local Government Impact

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

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, KJG, DB