Texas House Bill HB3901

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of counties and municipalities to lower speed limits on certain highways.

Impact

The legislation is intended to improve road safety by empowering local authorities to address specific safety concerns in their jurisdictions. By allowing counties and municipalities the ability to define lower speed limits based on local assessments of road conditions, this bill could result in more tailored traffic regulations that better serve the communities. The implications include a potential change in traffic patterns, a reduction in speed-related accidents, and broader authority for local governance over road safety measures. This could lead to improved responsiveness to community concerns regarding traffic issues.

Summary

House Bill 3901 addresses the authority of counties and municipalities to set lower speed limits on certain highways in Texas. The bill amends sections of the Transportation Code, specifically Sections 545.355 and 545.356. The proposed changes would allow for a minimum speed limit of 30 miles per hour on county roads when deemed necessary for safety, along with setting a lower limit of 10 miles per hour in residential districts unless the road has been designated as a major thoroughfare. This clarity in authority aims to enhance local control over traffic regulations in specific areas.

Contention

While the bill is positioned as a step forward in local governance, there may be contention regarding its implementation. Debates could arise over what constitutes an 'unreasonable' speed limit and who ultimately decides this in various contexts. Additionally, there might be concerns about increased bureaucratic variability in speed limits across different municipalities, which could confuse drivers and create disparities in traffic enforcement. Balancing local control with uniform safety standards may present challenges as communities adapt to these new regulations.