Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2060

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
5/14/09  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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

The implications of SB2060 extend to both the imposition of civil and criminal penalties for violations recorded by these monitoring systems. Specifically, the bill allows school districts to create civil penalties ranging from $200 to $1,000 for motorists that are caught passing a stopped school bus illegally. This aspect of the bill is crucial as it introduces a structured penalty system aimed at promoting compliance and prioritizing the safety of school children. Revenue generated from these penalties would be directed back into the school districts' operation funds to support the costs associated with the monitoring systems, thus potentially creating a self-sustaining safety program.

Summary

SB2060 addresses the critical issue of school bus safety by granting school districts the authority to implement monitoring systems designed to capture images of vehicles passing illegally when a bus is stopped to load or unload students. This legislative measure seeks to enhance safety around school buses and aims to deter reckless driving behavior that endangers children. The bill outlines the specifications for the monitoring system, including its capability to capture photographic and video images, as well as produce live visual images of children on the bus, viewable remotely. This inclusion ensures that the systems are not only effective but also adaptable to state regulations regarding educational institutions.

Contention

While SB2060 is positioned as a necessary step for improving school bus safety, the bill has sparked discussions around privacy concerns and the potential for misuse of surveillance technology. Opponents argue that widespread monitoring could lead to broader implications for personal privacy if not regulated properly. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the fairness of enforcing penalties based on automatic violations captured by cameras, particularly if there are challenges in the accuracy of the monitoring technology used. Balancing safety with privacy rights will be a key consideration as the bill moves forward through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

TX HB4628

Identical Relating to school bus safety, including the authority of a school district to implement a monitoring system that captures images of vehicles passing illegally; creating an offense and providing for the imposition of civil and criminal penalties.

Previously Filed As

TX HB648

Relating to the enforcement of the prohibition on passing a school bus using images from a school bus monitoring system.

TX HB4789

Relating to the use of school buses and electricity by public schools.

TX SB1942

Relating to the use of school buses and electricity by public schools.

TX SB2

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.

TX HB3

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.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB2226

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.

TX SB2

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.

TX HB2

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.

TX HB2106

Relating to the implementation of student and family engagement plans by school districts.

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TX SB1887

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TX SB1147

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TX HB3184

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain local laws concerning special districts, including conforming amendments.

TX HB3785

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TX HB2619

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain local laws concerning special districts, including conforming amendments.

TX SB1756

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain local laws concerning special districts, including conforming amendments.

TX SB2117

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TX SB66

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