LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 85TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 17, 2017

TO:
Honorable Geanie W. Morrison, Chair, House Committee on Transportation
 
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB644 by Phillips (Relating to criminal liability for certain federal motor carrier safety regulation violations; creating a criminal offense.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Transportation Code as it relates to the criminal liability for certain motor carrier safety violations. The bill would make knowingly operating, leasing, or assigning a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle with an unsatisfactory rating a state jail felony if the vehicle was involved in an accident that resulted in bodily injury. The bill would make this offense a second degree felony if the accident resulted in death.

This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill would not result in a significant impact on state correctional agencies.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.

Local Government Impact

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 within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal implication.

A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. Costs associated with enforcement and prosecution could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact. In addition to the fine, punishment can include up to 180 days of deferred disposition.


Source Agencies:
LBB Staff:
UP, JGA, AG, GG, BM