The bill would amend Transportation Code, Chapter 201, Subchapter K, to require the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to designate as a "highway safety corridor" a site with a high number of traffic accidents that lead to a serious injury or fatality as identified by the governing body of the municipality or county in whose jurisdiction the site is located. The bill would require TxDOT to erect road signs indicating the designation of a highway safety corridor. The bill would amend Transportation Code, Chapter 542, Subchapter D, to establish that a fine for certain traffic offenses committed in a designated highway safety corridor are twice the minimum and maximum fine that would be applicable if it were committed outside of the safety corridor.

TxDOT anticipates implementation of the bill would require the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of at least two signs to be posted at each end of each designated highway safety corridor. Because the number, location, and boundaries of potential highway safety corridors is unknown, the potential cost for the signs cannot be determined at this time. Based on information provided by TxDOT, it is assumed the costs of signs could be absorbed within the agency's existing resources.

While it is assumed that any fiscal impact and impact to state correctional populations or on the demand for state correctional resources would not be significant, the state revenue impact would be dependent on the number of offenses committed and the associated court costs and fines.

LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 88TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION


March 28, 2023

TO:	Honorable Terry Canales, Chair, House Committee on Transportation

FROM:	Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board

IN RE:	HB1855 by Goodwin (Relating to the designation of highway safety corridors; increasing a fine.), As Introduced