Texas House Bill HB479

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of the governing body of a local authority to impose a civil penalty for certain violations recorded by an automated traffic control system or a photographic traffic signal enforcement system.

Impact

The proposed legislation offers a significant shift in the regulation of traffic enforcement at the local level. By granting authority to local authorities to impose civil penalties through automated systems, it aims to enhance road safety and compliance with traffic signals. This could lead to a rise in the use of such systems across various municipalities, thereby potentially affecting the volume of traffic violations reported and penalized, and may serve to increase local revenue derived from traffic enforcement funds.

Summary

House Bill 479 addresses the authority of local authorities in Texas to impose civil penalties for traffic violations detected via automated traffic control systems, such as photographic traffic signal enforcement systems. This bill seeks to amend certain sections of the Transportation Code, impacting how local governments can enforce compliance with traffic laws. Specifically, the bill allows local authorities to utilize technology in enforcing traffic laws and providing a legal framework for penalties associated with violations caught on camera.

Contention

Despite aiming to improve road safety, the bill may face criticism concerning privacy and the fairness of automated enforcement measures. Opponents may argue that reliance on technology for enforcement could disproportionately impact certain demographics or lead to issues of due process, particularly regarding the accuracy of the recorded violations and the accountability of the local authorities using these systems. Furthermore, the repeal of prior laws consolidating the use of such enforcement tools could spark debate about the appropriateness of these changes within local jurisdictions.