Relating to repealing certain offenses involving toll violations.
Impact
If enacted, HB 4907 will significantly change the way toll payment violations are handled. Rather than treating unpaid tolls as criminal offenses that can lead to fines and potential court appearances, the bill intends to make these issues administrative matters. This distinction may alleviate some of the stress and legal consequences faced by drivers who inadvertently miss toll payments. Additionally, the bill has provisions that provide avenues for disputing toll charges, aimed at ensuring fairness in the enforcement process.
Summary
House Bill 4907 proposes the repeal of certain offenses related to toll violations within Texas. The bill aims to amend multiple sections of the Transportation Code, altering the framework around how toll violations are addressed and penalized. Key provisions in the bill will transfer the process of collection and enforcement from criminal to administrative, thereby reducing the legal repercussions for individuals who fail to pay tolls. The goal is to create a more streamlined approach that reduces the burden of toll collections on the court system while maintaining funding for toll authorities.
Contention
Despite the bill's seemingly practical approach to managing toll violations, there may arise points of contention among stakeholders. Opponents might argue that downgrading toll violations from criminal offenses could enable habitual non-compliance, potentially impacting toll revenue crucial for road maintenance and infrastructure. Supporters, on the other hand, may contend that the changes are necessary for reducing the criminalization of minor infractions, especially in light of economic strains faced by some drivers.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Transportation Code
Chapter 228. State Highway Toll Projects
Section: 0547
Chapter 284. Causeways, Bridges, Tunnels, Turnpikes, Ferries, And Highways In Certain Counties
Section: 070
Section: 204
Section: 206
Section: 209
Chapter 370. Regional Mobility Authorities
Section: 177
Chapter 372. Provisions Applicable To More Than One Type Of Toll Project
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to marihuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and paraphernalia.
Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to the cultivation, manufacture, delivery, and possession of marihuana and cannabis.
Relating to the creation of and the powers of a comprehensive multimodal urban transportation authority, including the power to impose taxes, issue bonds, and exercise limited eminent domain authority.