Texas House Bill HB2361

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/9/11
• Introduced: 3/7/11
• Refer: 3/10/11
• Report Pass: 5/9/11

Caption

Relating to the authority of a municipality, a county, or the Department of Public Safety to enforce compliance with posted speed limits by an automated traffic control system.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2361 would significantly impact state transportation regulations, particularly by prohibiting local governments from leveraging automated traffic systems for speed enforcement. This would centralize authority and reduce the capability of municipalities to independently manage speed regulation, potentially leading to a more uniform approach to traffic enforcement across Texas. The bill emphasizes the necessity for peace officer involvement in issuing citations, ensuring that local agencies cannot autonomously administer automated systems without oversight.

Summary

House Bill 2361 pertains to the authority granted to municipalities, counties, and the Department of Public Safety to enforce compliance with posted speed limits through the use of automated traffic control systems. With this bill, municipalities and counties would be prohibited from operating these systems to enforce speed limits directly. The bill includes specific definitions for what constitutes an 'automated traffic control system', namely devices that record motor vehicle speeds and capture footage for citation issuance.

Contention

The discussions around HB 2361 may involve contention from various stakeholders. Advocates for the bill might argue that it strengthens law enforcement by ensuring direct police involvement in traffic violations. Conversely, opponents could raise concerns regarding the reduction of local control and the effectiveness of traffic safety measures. There may also be debates about public safety implications, particularly if local governments feel constrained in their ability to use technology to mitigate speeding in high-risk areas.