Texas Senate Bill SB1218

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/31/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/9/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/14/09
• Voted on by House: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/26/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the collection of data by the Texas Department of Transportation regarding bridge collapses.

Impact

If enacted, SB1218 would amend the Transportation Code, establishing a more rigorous framework for the reporting of bridge-related accidents. Medical examiners and justices of the peace in counties without dedicated medical examiner offices would be required to report fatalities resulting from traffic accidents or bridge collapses to TxDOT, thereby ensuring comprehensive data collection. This bill aims to close gaps in data that could hinder policy-making and the implementation of effective safety measures on Texas highways.

Summary

Senate Bill 1218 focuses on enhancing the collection and reporting of data by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) regarding bridge collapses and highway accidents. The bill mandates that TxDOT analyzes vehicle accident reports and publishes detailed statistical information about the causes and locations of accidents, including the number of fatalities arising from bridge collapses. This initiative aims to improve the understanding of traffic safety issues, ensuring that necessary measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Contention

While SB1218 has garnered support for its potential to enhance public safety, some concerns around implementation may exist. Opponents might argue about the burden placed on local officials to compile and submit the required reports regularly. Additionally, there could be debates regarding how the data will be utilized by the state and whether it will lead to actionable improvements in infrastructure safety or merely serve as a statistics collection exercise.