BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3319
87R21066 JRR-D	By: Meyer; Stucky (Hancock)
	Transportation
	5/17/2021
	Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

H.B. 3319 amends the Education Code to require the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation (TCLR) by rule to require information relating to requirements concerning the passing of certain vehicles to be included in the curriculum of each driver education course or driving safety course. The bill requires TCLR to consult with the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas (DPS) in developing the rules and to adopt the rules not later than May 1, 2022. The bill requires each driver education or driving safety course held on or after September 1, 2022, to include the required information in the course's curriculum.

 

H.B. 3319 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to develop and implement a move over or slow down public awareness campaign designed to promote compliance with and improve public awareness of requirements concerning the passing of certain vehicles. The bill authorizes TxDOT to consult and coordinate with DPS and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles as TxDOT considers necessary to develop or implement the campaign. The bill authorizes TxDOT, in implementing the campaign, to engage in online advocacy, issue public service announcements, distribute materials, and post signage on roadways relating to the campaign. The bill authorizes TxDOT to pay the costs of the campaign and its administration from gifts, grants, donations, matching funds, and other funds made available for that purpose, including available TxDOT revenue.

 

H.B. 3319 amends current law relating to certain measures to promote compliance with and improve public awareness of the state's move over or slow down law concerning the passing of certain vehicles.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation in SECTION 1 (Section 1001.1101, Education Code) of this bill.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 1001, Education Code, by adding Section 1001.1101, as follows:

 

Sec. 1001.1101. INFORMATION RELATING TO PASSING CERTAIN VEHICLES. (a) Requires the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation (TCLR) by rule to require that information relating to the requirements of Section 545.157 (Passing Certain Vehicles), Transportation Code, concerning the passing of certain vehicles be included in the curriculum of each driver education course or driving safety course.

 

(b) Requires TCLR, in developing rules under this section, to consult with the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas (DPS).

 

SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter H, Chapter 201, Transportation Code, by adding Section 201.623, as follows:

 

Sec. 201.623. MOVE OVER OR SLOW DOWN CAMPAIGN. (a) Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to develop and implement a move over or slow down public awareness campaign designed to promote compliance with and improve public awareness of the requirements of Section 545.157 concerning the passing of certain vehicles.

 

(b) Authorizes TxDOT to consult and coordinate with DPS and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles as TxDOT considers necessary to develop or implement the campaign.

 

(c) Authorizes TxDOT, in implementing the campaign, to engage in online advocacy, issue public service announcements, distribute materials, and post signage on roadways relating to the campaign.

 

(d) Authorizes TxDOT to pay the costs of the campaign and its administration from gifts, grants, or donations, from matching funds, and from other funds made available for that purpose, including available TxDOT revenue.

 

SECTION 3. (a) Requires TCLR, not later than May 1, 2022, to adopt the rules required by Section 1001.1101, Education Code, as added by this Act.

 

(b) Requires that each driver education or driving safety course held on or after September 1, 2022, include in the course's curriculum the information required by the rules adopted under Section 1001.1101, Education Code, as added by this Act.

 

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2021.