HBA-NRS H.B. 56 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 56
By: Puente
Transportation
2/23/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

In 1997, the 75th Legislature enacted law to provide that the fine
applicable to a moving violation offense committed in a construction or
maintenance work zone when workers are present ranges from $2 to $400
instead of $1 to $200. However, Texas has no such law for offenses
committed in school zones. House Bill 56 provides that the fine applicable
to a speed restriction offense committed in a school crossing zone when a
reduced speed limit applies ranges from $2 to $400 instead of $1 to $200.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 56 amends the Transportation Code to provide that if a violation
related to speed restrictions is committed in a school crossing zone when a
reduced speed limit applies, the minimum fine applicable to the offense is
twice the minimum fine that would be applicable to the offense if it were
committed outside a school crossing zone. The bill also provides that the
maximum fine applicable to the offense is twice the maximum fine that would
be applicable to the offense if it were committed outside a school crossing
zone.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.