Texas Senate Bill SB1553

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the process for establishing speed limits on roads near certain schools.

Impact

The passage of SB1553 is expected to enhance public safety in school zones by establishing a formal process for municipalities and counties to assess and adjust speed limits based on proximity to schools. This legislative change means that local governmental bodies are now mandated to hold annual public hearings where the community can participate in discussions about speed limits applicable to highways close to educational institutions. Additionally, the bill empowers school boards and governance bodies to advocate for changes that could directly affect student safety and accessibility.

Summary

SB1553 is a legislative measure in Texas aimed at improving safety for students by modifying the process for establishing speed limits near schools. The bill allows both the governing bodies of municipalities and counties to set lower speed limits, specifically proposing a new procedure for public hearings regarding speed limits near educational institutions. This includes elementary, secondary, charter schools, and institutions of higher education, ensuring that the input from these educational bodies is considered when determining safe speed thresholds.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB1553 appears to resonate positively among advocates for educational safety and traffic regulation. Supporters argue that having a structured process to evaluate and modify speed limits reflects a proactive approach to reduce accidents and improve safety for students commuting to and from school. However, there may be concerns from some local government officials about the administrative burden of conducting public hearings and meeting the requirements imposed by the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the logistics of conducting annual public hearings and whether this process will effectively lead to significant changes in speed limit regulation. Some critics may argue that while the intention of the bill is commendable, the practical execution could vary widely across different regions, leading to inconsistent results in terms of student safety. Additionally, the bill's requirements for engineering and traffic investigations following public hearings could be seen as a potential strain on local resources.