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 bill amends the Transportation Code to facilitate the use of recorded images as evidence in prosecuting offenses related to passing a stopped school bus. School districts would have the authority to impose penalties on vehicle owners for violations recorded by these systems. The penalties range from a minimum of $200 to a maximum of $1,000, presenting a monetary deterrent to potential offenders and reinforcing public safety around school zones.
Summary
House Bill 1336 seeks to empower school districts in Texas to enforce greater safety measures for school buses by authorizing the implementation of school bus monitoring systems. These systems are designed to capture photographic or video images of vehicles that violate laws concerning stopped school buses, particularly those that pass with the stop sign extended. This legislative move aims to enhance the protection of students during loading and unloading times, addressing a pressing safety concern for school transportation.
Contention
However, this bill has not been without contention. Critics may argue that the use of monitoring systems could infringe on civil liberties by introducing a surveillance element in public spaces. Additionally, there is concern regarding the potential for abuse in the enforcement of penalties and the fairness of appeal processes for those contesting violations captured by the monitoring systems. Ensuring that these measures do not lead to excessive fines or unjust penalties will be important for maintaining public trust.
Enforcement
Furthermore, HB1336 lays out specific procedures for the enforcement of penalties, including a process for notifying vehicle owners of violations and the option for them to contest the penalties administratively. This means that vehicle owners will have recourse if they believe they have been wrongfully penalized, which is a crucial aspect of the legislation that aims to balance enforcement with fairness.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; 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.
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 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 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.