Honorable Larry Phillips, Chair, House Committee on Transportation
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2443 by Price (Relating to persons remaining on and parking vehicles on state highway right-of-way; creating an offense.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Transportation Code to create misdemeanor offenses if a person parks a vehicle on a state highway right-of-way except for emergency or highway construction or maintenance. A first offense would be a Class C misdemeanor and a second offense would be a Class B misdemeanor.
A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both.
This analysis assumes the Department of Public Safety could implement the provisions of the bill within existing appropriations.
Local Government Impact
Costs associated with enforcement, prosecution and confinement could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal implication.