Honorable Joseph Pickett, Chair, House Committee on Transportation
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB383 by McClendon (Relating to unprotected road users; providing penalties; creating an offense.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 545 of the Transportation Code to provide what constitutes an unprotected road user, and would specify requirements for an operator of a motor vehicle, moped, motor-driven cycle, or motor-assisted scooter in regard to an unprotected road user. A violation of this section would be punishable by a fine of not less than $1 or more than $200; a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of not more than $500 if the violation results in property damage; or a Class B misdemeanor if the violation results in bodily injury. The bill would provide a defense to prosecution if the unprotected road user was acting in violation of the law at the time of the offense. The bill would require certain vehicles to be equipped with a mirror located to reflect the operator a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle.
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.
According to the Department of Public Safety, no fiscal impact to the State is anticipated.
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.