Texas House Bill HB1257

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the definition of personal property for purposes of removing personal property from a roadway or right-of-way.

Impact

The passage of HB 1257 is expected to streamline the response protocols for authorities dealing with abandoned or hazardous items on state roadways. By providing a clear legal framework for what constitutes personal property in these contexts, the bill will likely facilitate quicker action during emergency situations, reducing potential hazards associated with unattended vehicles or hazardous materials. This could lead to improved public safety outcomes and more effective traffic management.

Summary

House Bill 1257 aims to clarify the definition of personal property concerning the removal of such items from roadways or right-of-ways in the state of Texas. The bill extends the definition of personal property to include not only vehicles and spilled cargo but also hazardous materials and unattended manufactured homes. By specifying these definitions, the bill seeks to enhance the efficiency and safety of managing debris and hazardous situations on public roads and rights-of-way, ensuring that appropriate measures can be taken swiftly when such issues arise.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1257 appears to be largely positive, reflecting a consensus on the importance of public safety and efficient roadway management. The bill received unanimous support in both the House and Senate, indicating a strong alignment among legislators on the need for clearer definitions in the legislation governing roadway property management. While there may be minor concerns about how these definitions will be enforced, the general trajectory is towards enhancing safety measures.

Contention

While there was minimal contention surrounding HB 1257, as evidenced by its unanimous passage, discussions might arise regarding the effective implementation of the definitions set forth in the bill. Questions could be raised about how the inclusion of categories like unattended manufactured homes might complicate enforcement practices or lead to ambiguities in certain situations. Nonetheless, the overall tone in legislative discussions indicated a recognition of the bill's necessity for maintaining public safety on roadways.