Relating to the authority of a school district to implement a school bus monitoring system that records images, including images of vehicles that pass a stopped school bus; providing for the imposition of penalties.
Impact
Notably, HB474 amends existing sections of the Transportation Code, permitting school districts to utilize monitoring systems that can capture electronic or video images of vehicles violating traffic regulations related to school buses. This addition aligns with the broader goal of reducing incidents of distracted or reckless driving around school zones, ensuring a safer environment for students. If passed, certain procedures would be established for the imposition of civil penalties on violators, which could range from $200 to $1,000. The revenues generated through these penalties would support the operational funds of the school districts.
Summary
House Bill 474 aims to enhance the safety of students by allowing school districts in Texas to implement a monitoring system on school buses. This bill specifically permits the recording of images of vehicles that unlawfully pass stopped school buses while they are loading or unloading students. The implementation of this technology is intended to deter reckless driving behavior in the vicinity of school buses, thereby increasing the safety of children as they are getting on or off the bus.
Conclusion
Overall, HB474 represents a legislative effort to respond to ongoing issues related to student safety during school transportation. By allowing the introduction of a monitoring system that captures images of vehicles violating laws pertaining to stopped school buses, the bill aims to mitigate risks associated with traffic violations in school zones. If enacted, it will be significant in shaping local traffic enforcement laws and protocols to prioritize the safety of school children across Texas.
Contention
During discussions surrounding HB474, some concerns were raised regarding privacy and the potential for misuse of the recorded images. Opponents argue that equipping school buses with monitoring systems may infringe on the privacy rights of vehicle owners. Conversely, proponents emphasize the necessity of such measures in light of increasing traffic violations near school zones, asserting that the safety of children should take precedence. The debate underscores the balance between enhancing student safety and safeguarding individual privacy rights.
Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.
Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, a security officer employed by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to the eligibility of a business entity to receive a credit against the ad valorem taxes imposed by a school district on the business entity's property in exchange for donating equipment to the school district to be used in a course that may lead to a commercial driver's license or commercial learner's permit and providing that such a course may satisfy public high school graduation requirements for electives.
Relating to providing property tax relief through the public school finance system, exemptions, limitations on appraisals and taxes, and property tax administration; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.