Texas Senate Bill SB713

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/2/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/14/09

Caption

Relating to a prohibition on the disclosure and use of certain information recorded or collected by a transponder used to electronically assess or collect a toll.

Impact

The introduction of SB713 is designed to protect the privacy of individuals using toll roads. By prohibiting the use of trip data related to vehicle speed in legal proceedings, the bill aims to relieve citizens from the burden of potential legal actions based solely on data collected incidentally during toll transactions. The change is intended to reinforce public trust in electronic toll systems, indicating a commitment from lawmakers to safeguard sensitive information from being weaponized against drivers.

Summary

Senate Bill 713 (SB713) proposes a critical amendment to the Texas Transportation Code, specifically concerning the use of data collected by transponders used in electronic toll collection systems. The bill seeks to ensure that information regarding vehicle speed, as recorded by these transponders, cannot be disclosed to law enforcement for the purposes of prosecuting speeding offenses. This legislation arises from concerns over privacy and the potential misuse of toll data by governmental bodies.

Contention

While proponents of SB713 argue that the bill is necessary for preserving the privacy of Texas motorists, there may be contention over the broader implications for law enforcement. Opponents could argue that restricting access to this data could hinder the ability of police to enforce traffic laws effectively, thereby potentially allowing reckless driving behavior to go unpunished. Discussions surrounding the balance between public safety and individual privacy rights are likely to arise as the bill progresses through the legislative process.