BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2628

By: Branch

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A municipality, county, or other political subdivision is required to post a sign in a school crossing zone regarding the prohibited use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.  Interested parties note that legislation is required to remove the sign-posting requirement and to eliminate the appearance of an unfunded mandate on local governments.  H.B. 2628 seeks to address this issue.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2628 amends the Transportation Code to repeal provisions establishing certain signage requirements in connection with the offense of using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle within a school crossing zone.  The bill makes a conforming change in provisions relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution of such an offense.

H.B. 2628 repeals Section 545.425(b-1), Transportation Code.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011.