Honorable Allen Fletcher, Chair, House Committee on Emerging Issues In Texas Law Enforcement, Select
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3929 by Fletcher (Relating to the use of automatic license plate reader systems; creating a criminal offense.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code to require the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to establish an automatic license plate reader database that retains certain captured plate data. The bill would create a Class A misdemeanor for certain usage of captured plate data. The bill would take effect September 1, 2015. It is assumed that DPS could implement the provisions of the bill using existing resources.
Local Government Impact
There could be costs associated with the bill for local entities that use automatic license plate reader systems; however the costs would depend on a number of factors including, the resources of the local entity, how often and for what purpose the license plate reader system is used.
A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $4,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year, or both. Costs associated with enforcement, prosecution, and confinement could likely be absorbed with existing resources. Revenue from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.
Montgomery County reported costs associated with the bill include a new staff person and additional resources.