BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1209

By: Cortez

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Legislation proposed by the 86th Texas Legislature prohibited the use of photographic traffic signal enforcement systems in Texas. While this legislation was eventually enacted, an amendment added during the legislative process allowed existing contracts to continue the operation of red-light cameras, effectively prohibiting only the future operation of these systems. H.B. 1209 seeks to eliminate the current patchwork use of these systems in Texas by providing a uniform prohibition on their use.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1209 amends the Transportation Code to void any contract that violates statutory provisions governing the prohibition against photographic traffic signal enforcement systems.

H.B. 1209 repeals Sections 7(a) and (b), Chapter 372 (H.B. 1631), Acts of the 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.