Texas House Bill HB1336

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/6/11
• Introduced: 2/14/11
• Refer: 3/1/11
• Report Pass: 5/5/11

Caption

Relating to the authority of a school district to implement a school bus monitoring system that records images, including images of vehicles that pass a stopped school bus; providing for the imposition of penalties.

Impact

The bill amends the Transportation Code to facilitate the use of recorded images as evidence in prosecuting offenses related to passing a stopped school bus. School districts would have the authority to impose penalties on vehicle owners for violations recorded by these systems. The penalties range from a minimum of $200 to a maximum of $1,000, presenting a monetary deterrent to potential offenders and reinforcing public safety around school zones.

Summary

House Bill 1336 seeks to empower school districts in Texas to enforce greater safety measures for school buses by authorizing the implementation of school bus monitoring systems. These systems are designed to capture photographic or video images of vehicles that violate laws concerning stopped school buses, particularly those that pass with the stop sign extended. This legislative move aims to enhance the protection of students during loading and unloading times, addressing a pressing safety concern for school transportation.

Contention

However, this bill has not been without contention. Critics may argue that the use of monitoring systems could infringe on civil liberties by introducing a surveillance element in public spaces. Additionally, there is concern regarding the potential for abuse in the enforcement of penalties and the fairness of appeal processes for those contesting violations captured by the monitoring systems. Ensuring that these measures do not lead to excessive fines or unjust penalties will be important for maintaining public trust.

Enforcement

Furthermore, HB1336 lays out specific procedures for the enforcement of penalties, including a process for notifying vehicle owners of violations and the option for them to contest the penalties administratively. This means that vehicle owners will have recourse if they believe they have been wrongfully penalized, which is a crucial aspect of the legislation that aims to balance enforcement with fairness.