Texas House Bill HB2936

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the licensing and regulation of funeral vehicle escort services.

Impact

The introduction of licensing requirements will affect not only funeral vehicle escort services but also local authorities and law enforcement. Specifically, the bill prohibits anyone from facilitating traffic for a funeral procession unless they are either a licensed funeral vehicle escort service or an employee thereof. This regulation is expected to enhance public safety by ensuring that only trained and authorized individuals manage funeral processions, reducing the risk of accidents and confusion on the roads.

Summary

House Bill 2936 seeks to establish a framework for the licensing and regulation of funeral vehicle escort services in Texas. The bill clearly defines a funeral vehicle escort service as a business that facilitates the movement of traffic for funeral processions. By introducing this definition into law, the bill aims to create a standardized approach to managing the traffic associated with funerals, which can often cause disruptions on public roads and highways.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at improving safety and organization during funeral processions, it could face opposition primarily from those who believe that additional regulations may overburden small businesses operating in this sector. Furthermore, there could be concerns about the implications of requiring licensing on personal freedoms and local traditions, as funeral processions have historically been managed by community customs rather than regulated services. The bill introduces penalties related to unauthorized escorting of funeral processions, emphasizing the importance of compliance with these new regulations.