Honorable Robert Nichols, Chair, Senate Committee on Transportation
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB509 by Raney (Relating to the process for establishing speed limits on roads near certain schools.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Transportation Code to permit a commissioners court of a county to declare a lower speed on certain roads within 500 feet of schools or institutions of higher education. The bill would require a governing body of a municipality, a commissioners court, or the Texas Transportation Commission to hold a public hearing on speed limits near charter schools if requested by the governing body of a school or institution of higher education. The bill would prohibit these entities from rejecting a request for a speed limit without first making a written finding stating a compelling reason of rejection. Under the provisions of the bill, a school would be permitted to appeal a rejection decision to a district court; if the governing body shows by clear convincing evidence that the rejection of request was not based on accepted traffic management principles the district court may grant the request. The bill would permit a governing body of a school or institution of higher education to consult with the Texas Department of Transportation, The Texas Transportation Commission, and local transportation authorities on the feasibility of a speed limit during the design of a school property. The bill provides a definition for "governing body of a school or institution of higher education".
The Office of Court Administration reported the bill could increase the workload of state district courts; however no significant fiscal impact is anticipated.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 601 Department of Transportation