Texas Senate Bill SB521

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/9/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/9/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the Texas Department of Transportation's memorial sign program.

Impact

The amendments introduced by SB521 would allow memorial signs to display the names of multiple victims of a traffic accident, as long as the total character count remains within 21 characters, including spaces. This provision highlights the shared tragedy of traffic incidents and provides a more inclusive representation of victims on these signs. By facilitating the acknowledgment of multiple victims, the bill not only honors their memory but also stresses the community impact of reckless driving behaviors.

Summary

SB521 aims to amend the Texas Transportation Code by making specific changes to the Texas Department of Transportation's memorial sign program. The proposed legislation emphasizes the importance of traffic safety messages by requiring that memorial signs for accident victims include the phrase 'Please Don't Drink and Drive.' This initiative is intended to serve as a reminder to drivers about the dangers of impaired driving, thereby promoting greater awareness and potentially reducing the incidence of such accidents on Texas roads.

Contention

While the bill presents a compassionate approach to honoring traffic accident victims, potential points of contention may arise regarding the space limitations for names on the signs and the effectiveness of signage in changing driver behavior. Some advocates might argue that while signs are a meaningful tribute, they may not be sufficient to deter reckless driving. Discussions during the legislative process could touch upon the need for more comprehensive measures addressing drunk driving beyond mere signage.

Notable_points

The bill is notable for its dual focus on memorialization and public safety, as it seeks to instill a sense of responsibility among drivers. The inclusion of both a well-recognized cautionary phrase and the acknowledgment of multiple victims contributes to a broader conversation about traffic safety policies in Texas. As lawmakers consider the implications of such memorial signs, the potential for increased public awareness regarding the consequences of driving under the influence will be a critical factor in evaluating the overall effectiveness of SB521.