Honorable Joan Huffman, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB31 by Zaffirini (Relating to the use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle; creating a criminal offense; modifying existing criminal penalties.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 545 of the Transportation Code to establish a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of not more than $99 for a first time offense or $200 if the offender has been previously convicted for the same offense, for using a hand held device to read, write, or send a text based communication while operating a moving vehicle that is not stopped. The bill sets forth certain exceptions and defenses to prosecution for this offense.
The bill would amend Chapter 521 of the Transportation Code to include knowledge of the effect of using wireless communication device while in operation of a motor vehicle in the examination of license applicants.
The bill would require the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to post a sign on each interstate highway or United States highway at the entrance to the state informing motor vehicle operators of certain information relating to the prohibition of using a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle as set forth by the bill.
It is assumed that any state costs associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be absorbed with existing agency resources.
The bill would take effect on September 1, 2017.
Local Government Impact
There could be a negative fiscal impact to cities that currently ban the use of a wireless communication device for text-based communication depending on whether the fines imposed by the cities exceed the limits specified by the provisions of the bill. Additionally, a city that does not currently have a ban may experience a positive fiscal impact. The fiscal impact would vary by locality and would depend on the number of offenses committed and the amount of the fine issued.
The City of Georgetown anticipates no significant fiscal impact from the provisions of the bill.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 405 Department of Public Safety, 601 Department of Transportation