82R8601 VOO-F
 
  By: Harper-Brown H.B. No. 1762
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to regulation of high occupancy vehicle lanes operated,
  managed, or maintained by a regional transportation authority;
  providing penalties.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 452, Transportation Code,
  is amended by adding Section 452.0613 to read as follows:
         Sec. 452.0613.  ENFORCEMENT OF HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANE
  USAGE; PENALTIES.  (a)  An executive committee by resolution may
  regulate or prohibit improper entrance into, exit from, and vehicle
  occupancy in high occupancy vehicle lanes operated, managed, or
  maintained by the authority.
         (b)  An executive committee by resolution may establish
  reasonable and appropriate methods to enforce regulations or
  prohibitions established under Subsection (a).
         (c)  An executive committee by resolution may provide that
  violations regarding improper entrance into, exit from, or vehicle
  occupancy in high occupancy vehicle lanes operated, managed, or
  maintained by the authority incur a penalty, not to exceed $100.
         (d)  A person commits an offense if the person fails to pay
  any designated penalty on or before the 30th day after the date the
  authority notifies the person that the person is required to pay a
  penalty for:
               (1)  exiting or entering a high occupancy vehicle lane
  operated, managed, or maintained by an authority at a location not
  designated for exit or entrance; or
               (2)  operating a vehicle in or entering a high
  occupancy vehicle lane operated, managed, or maintained by an
  authority with fewer than the required number of occupants.
         (e)  The notice required by Subsection (d) may be included in
  a citation issued to the person by a peace officer under Article
  14.06, Code of Criminal Procedure, in connection with an offense
  relating to improper use of a high occupancy vehicle lane.
         (f)  An offense under Subsection (d) is a Class C
  misdemeanor.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.