Relating to additional court costs for certain traffic offenses that occur in a municipality.
Impact
The bill aims to raise awareness about traffic safety, particularly near schools, which are areas often frequented by children and pedestrians. By imposing a financial penalty on offenders, the legislation seeks to deter infractions in school zones, thereby promoting a safer environment. This additional cost would be added to existing court costs, thereby contributing to municipal revenues that can be allocated towards traffic safety initiatives and enforcement efforts.
Summary
SB416 proposes an amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding additional court costs for certain traffic offenses committed within municipalities. Specifically, the bill introduces an additional $25 fee for individuals convicted of traffic offenses that take place in a school crossing zone or under a specified section of the Transportation Code. The intent behind this fee is to enhance safety measures around schools and encourage adherence to traffic regulations in these sensitive areas.
Contention
One potential point of contention could arise from the additional financial burden placed on individuals who may already be affected by fines related to traffic violations. Opponents might argue that this could disproportionately impact low-income individuals who face multiple fines. Furthermore, there could be discussions regarding the effective use of the additional fees collected, as stakeholders may want to ensure that these funds are dedicated specifically to traffic safety improvements rather than being absorbed into general municipal funds, where their purpose might dilute.
Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of trafficking of persons and compelling prostitution and to certain consequences of compelling prostitution.
Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.
Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.
Relating to a justice or municipal court's authority to order a defendant confined in jail for failure to pay a fine or cost or for contempt and to the authority of a municipality to enforce the collection of certain fines by imprisonment of the defendant.