Texas House Bill HB985

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/9/09

Caption

Relating to the creation of a memorial sign account, the imposition of a memorial sign fee on certain defendants, and the posting of memorial signs for certain victims of alcohol or controlled substance related vehicle accidents.

Impact

The bill aims to enhance public awareness about the dangers of intoxicated driving by visibly commemorating the victims of such tragedies. In addition to the memorial signs, the bill introduces a structured method for financing the memorial sign program through court-imposed fees, which not only recognizes the loss experienced by victims’ families but also serves as a preventative measure against future incidents by fostering a reflective environment for drivers.

Summary

House Bill 985 seeks to establish a memorial sign account dedicated to funding the placement of memorial signs for victims of alcohol or controlled substance-related vehicle accidents. Upon conviction for specific intoxication-related offenses resulting in the death of another person, a court would impose a memorial sign fee of up to $300 as part of the court costs. The funds collected through these fees would be contributed to the newly created memorial sign account, which would be managed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and allocated specifically for the costs of posting these memorial signs along roadsides.

Contention

While the intent behind HB 985 is to promote safety and memorialize victims, it could raise concerns about the financial burden on convicted individuals. Critics may argue that imposing additional costs on offenders could disproportionately affect lower-income defendants. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the appropriateness of using criminal fines for memorialization and whether this approach truly addresses the issues of drinking and driving or simply serves as a symbolic gesture.