By: Meyer, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Hancock) H.B. No. 3319

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 12, 2021; May 12, 2021, read first time and referred to Committee on Transportation; May 19, 2021, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 9, Nays 0; May 19, 2021, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

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.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 1001, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 1001.1101 to read as follows:

Sec. 1001.1101. INFORMATION RELATING TO PASSING CERTAIN VEHICLES. (a) The commission by rule shall require that information relating to the requirements of Section 545.157, Transportation Code, concerning the passing of certain vehicles be included in the curriculum of each driver education course or driving safety course.

(b) In developing rules under this section, the commission shall consult with the Department of Public Safety.

SECTION 2. Subchapter H, Chapter 201, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 201.623 to read as follows:

Sec. 201.623. MOVE OVER OR SLOW DOWN CAMPAIGN. (a) The department shall 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) The department may consult and coordinate with the Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles as the department considers necessary to develop or implement the campaign.

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

(d) The department may pay the costs of the campaign and its administration from:

(1) gifts, grants, or donations;

(2) matching funds; and

(3) other funds made available for that purpose, including available department revenue.

SECTION 3. (a) Not later than May 1, 2022, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation shall adopt the rules required by Section 1001.1101, Education Code, as added by this Act.

(b) Each driver education or driving safety course held on or after September 1, 2022, shall 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. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.

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