Honorable Robert Nichols, Chair, Senate Committee on Transportation
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1553 by Lucio (Relating to the process for establishing speed limits on roads near certain schools.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Transportation Code to authorize a commissioners court to declare a lower speed limit of not less than 20 miles per hour on certain county roads or highways located within 500 feet of an institution of education. The bill would require the Department of Transportation (TxDOT), on request of the governing body of a school or institution of higher education, to consider prima facie speed limits on highways in the state highway system that are near these institutions. The bill would authorize the governing body of a school or institution of higher education to request the commissioners court, municipal governing body, or Texas Transportation Commission to conduct an engineering and traffic investigation.
According to TxDOT, the bill would not substantially change the existing process for establishing speed limits near these institutions. It would not require the Commission to conduct any study, nor would it change the Commission's existing authority to change prima facie speed limits. According to TxDOT, the bill would have minimal fiscal impact on the department.
Local Government Impact
According to the Texas Municipal League, no significant fiscal impact to cities is anticipated.