Texas House Bill HJR98

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the right of a person to travel in and operate a vehicle using human decision-making.

Impact

The amendment is meant to reflect and protect the personal liberties of Texans in how they operate vehicles. It delineates the extent to which regulations can apply, ensuring that these rights are not overridden by new laws that could infringe upon this recognized right. Specifically, it establishes that any law or administrative regulation cannot exist solely to bar the rights granted by this amendment. This means that while the state can impose restrictions based on individual competency or past behaviors that warrant legal penalties, the state's reach is limited regarding individual rights to operate vehicles autonomously.

Summary

HJR98 proposes a constitutional amendment to the Texas Constitution intended to affirm the right of individuals to travel in and operate a vehicle using human decision-making. This amendment would be included as Section 35 of Article I of the Texas Constitution. The proposal aims to enshrine in law that individuals possess this right while also allowing for certain regulations concerning who is authorized to operate a vehicle and the mental or physical competency required for such operation. Importantly, it recognizes the right of individuals to make decisions regarding vehicle operation rather than being constrained to automated or externally governed systems.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HJR98 may surface points of contention particularly regarding the balance between individual rights and public safety. Critics of such amendments may argue that affirming a right to operate vehicles based solely on human decision-making could challenge the implementation of future safety regulations that incorporate automated driving systems or advanced driver assistance technologies. Proponents contend that the amendment safeguards against the potential overreach of regulations that may arise with the advancement of vehicle automation technologies, thereby ensuring that individual freedom is maintained.