BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 52 81R2440 JD-D By: Zaffirini Transportation & Homeland Security 2/27/2009 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Surveys conducted in major Texas cities indicate that between 30 and 65 percent of vehicles parked at meters or in accessible parking spots designated for persons with disabilities at any given time are illegally parked. This not only inconveniences persons with disabilities, but also has the potential to result in harm to such persons. As proposed, S.B. 52 increases fines and community service penalties for persons who illegally utilize parking spaces designated for persons with disabilities. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Sections 681.011(g)-(j), Transportation Code, as follows: (g) Provides that an offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $750, rather than a fine of not less than $250 or more than $500, except as provided by Subsections (h)-(k). (h) Provides that if it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that the person has been previously convicted one time of an offense under this section, the offense is punishable by a fine of not less than $550 or more than $800 and 10 hours of community service, rather than a fine of not less than $300 or more than $600. (i) Provides that if it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that the person has been previously convicted two times of an offense under this section, the offense is punishable by a fine of not less than $550 or more than $800, rather than a fine of not less than $300 or more than $600, and not less than 20 or more than 30 hours of community service, rather than not less than 10 or more than 20 hours of community service. (j) Provides that if it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that the person has been previously convicted three times of an offense under this section, the offense is punishable by a fine of not less than $800 or more than $1,100, rather than a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,000, and 50 hours of community service, rather than not less than 20 or more than 50 hours community service. SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2009.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 52
81R2440 JD-D By: Zaffirini
Transportation & Homeland Security
2/27/2009
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Surveys conducted in major Texas cities indicate that between 30 and 65 percent of vehicles parked at meters or in accessible parking spots designated for persons with disabilities at any given time are illegally parked. This not only inconveniences persons with disabilities, but also has the potential to result in harm to such persons.
As proposed, S.B. 52 increases fines and community service penalties for persons who illegally utilize parking spaces designated for persons with disabilities.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Sections 681.011(g)-(j), Transportation Code, as follows:
(g) Provides that an offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $750, rather than a fine of not less than $250 or more than $500, except as provided by Subsections (h)-(k).
(h) Provides that if it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that the person has been previously convicted one time of an offense under this section, the offense is punishable by a fine of not less than $550 or more than $800 and 10 hours of community service, rather than a fine of not less than $300 or more than $600.
(i) Provides that if it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that the person has been previously convicted two times of an offense under this section, the offense is punishable by a fine of not less than $550 or more than $800, rather than a fine of not less than $300 or more than $600, and not less than 20 or more than 30 hours of community service, rather than not less than 10 or more than 20 hours of community service.
(j) Provides that if it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that the person has been previously convicted three times of an offense under this section, the offense is punishable by a fine of not less than $800 or more than $1,100, rather than a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,000, and 50 hours of community service, rather than not less than 20 or more than 50 hours community service.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2009.