LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

February 25, 2013

TO:	Honorable Larry Phillips, Chair, House Committee On Transportation
FROM:	Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB27 by Martinez Fischer (Relating to the creation of an offense for certain prohibited uses of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Section 545.425 of the Transportation Code to prohibit a motor vehicle operator from using a wireless communication device to read, write, or send a text message unless the vehicle is stopped, and creates certain exceptions to this offense. The bill establishes that a violation would be punishable by a fine of not less than $2 or more than $400 if the offense is commited while operating a motor vehicle in a school crossing zone.

The Department of Public Safety estimates there would be a minimal cost associated with implementing the provisions of the bill. The Office of Court Administration indicates it could absorb the costs associated with the bill within its current resources. It is anticipated additional cases could result in more court fines and costs being collected, but the number of convictions and state revenue generated are not expected to be significant.

Local Government Impact

Costs associated with enforcement and prosecution, and revenue gain from fines imposed and collected would vary depending on the number of offenses committed; however, the amounts are not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.

Source Agencies:

212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 405 Department of Public Safety, 601 Department of Transportation

LBB Staff:

UP, AG, JI, MMe, TP