Honorable Joseph Pickett, Chair, House Committee On Homeland Security & Public Safety
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB435 by Turner, Sylvester (Relating to the authority of a peace officer to take a blood specimen from the operator of a motor vehicle or watercraft to test for alcohol concentration or the presence of other intoxicating substances.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Transportation Code to prohibit a peace officer from taking a blood specimen from a vehicle operator or watercraft to test for alcohol concentration or other intoxicating substances regardless of whether the person is authorized under this section.
Local Government Impact
There would be no fiscal impact to a law enforcement agency that does not currently use peace officers to take blood specimens. A law enforcement agency that is currently using a peace officer to take blood specimens would have to discontinue and pay for services of a non-peace officer who is authorized to take blood. The costs would vary by agency and would depend on how frequently circumstances lead to taking blood specimens. It is assumed that a law enforcement agency would utilize blood tests only if sufficient resources are available.