BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2554

By: White, Molly

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

According to interested parties, walking on a certain side of a roadway, and especially on an unfrequented country road, can result in unnecessary arrests. The parties suggest that the law should allow citizens to use their own judgment and common sense regarding which side of the road to walk along. H.B. 2554 seeks to protect Texans' basic rights by repealing a law that prevents such free exercise of individual judgment and common sense, while also freeing law enforcement to address more pressing issues.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 2554 repeals Section 552.006(b), Transportation Code, which requires a pedestrian walking along and on a highway to walk, if possible, on the left side of the roadway or on the shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic if a sidewalk is not provided.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.