BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2041

By: King

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

On October 13, 2022, a crash occurred involving Levelland Animal Control officers Crystal Goforth and Jon Corder. Tragically, both officers lost their lives due to their vehicle being struck on the side of the road while responding to a call. H.B. 2041 seeks to enhance roadside safety by extending "Move Over, Slow Down" protections to animal control officers, animal carcass removal vehicles, and parking enforcement vehicles.

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. 2041 amends the Transportation Code to include the following among the vehicles that trigger an offense for the operator of another vehicle who, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, on approaching the vehicle, fails to slow to a specified speed or vacate the lane closest to the vehicle, as applicable:

· a vehicle operated by an employee of a local authority for the purpose of issuing a parking citation and using visual signals that comply with lighting standards and specifications adopted by the Texas Department of Transportation; and

· a vehicle operated by an animal control officer for the purpose of removing an animal or animal carcass from a roadway, or an individual authorized to dispose of an animal carcass under the Health and Safety Code for the purpose of removing an animal carcass from a roadway, and using visual signals that comply with those adopted standards and specifications.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2025