Texas House Bill HR2950

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Introduced: 5/30/09
• Enrolled: 6/4/09
• Passed: 6/4/09

Caption

Suspending limitations on conference committee jurisdiction, H.B. No. 2682.

Impact

The implementation of HR2950 would significantly empower local authorities, particularly in urban districts, to manage traffic safety more effectively. By relinquishing some of the restrictions on speed limit alterations, municipalities will be able to make decisions based on localized assessments of safety. This is expected to contribute positively to traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents in areas where the previous limits did not reflect actual safety conditions.

Summary

House Bill 2950 seeks to amend existing regulations regarding the authority of municipalities in Texas to alter speed limits on certain highways. Specifically, the bill enables governing bodies of municipalities to declare a lower speed limit of not less than 25 miles per hour, provided they determine that the current prima facie speed limit is unreasonable or unsafe. The changes are aimed at improving the safety of urban areas where vehicular traffic is prevalent and addressing the unique conditions that may warrant lower speed limits in these contexts.

Contention

While supporters advocate for the legislation as a necessary enhancement of local control, some concerns were raised regarding the potential for inconsistency in speed regulations across various municipalities. Critics argue that this could lead to confusion among drivers who travel through multiple jurisdictions. There are also apprehensions about inconsistent application of speed limits, which may undermine statewide traffic safety initiatives. Balancing local autonomy with the need for uniformity in traffic regulations remains a point of contention among lawmakers.