Texas House Bill HB1736

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/19/11
• Introduced: 2/23/11
• Refer: 3/3/11
• Report Pass: 4/11/11

Caption

Relating to the penalty for illegally passing stationary authorized emergency vehicles.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB1736 would significantly alter the legal consequences associated with traffic violations regarding emergency vehicles. The bill aims to deter reckless driving behaviors around emergency scenes by imposing stricter penalties, highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety of emergency personnel and the general public. With this change, the Texas legislation takes a firmer stance against traffic violations that endanger the lives of first responders, thereby reinforcing public safety measures on roadways.

Summary

House Bill 1736 seeks to enhance penalties for individuals illegally passing stationary authorized emergency vehicles. This legislation amends Section 545.157(b) of the Transportation Code, which outlines various penalties for violating this traffic regulation. Under the new provisions, the violation of passing an emergency vehicle can lead to increasingly serious penalties depending on the outcome of the infraction. If property is damaged as a result of the violation, the offender faces a fine of $500. The law escalates to a Class B misdemeanor for bodily injury and a felony of the third degree if serious bodily injury or death results from such actions.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve safety, there might be discussions surrounding its potential impact on drivers. Critics may argue that the increased penalties could disproportionately affect certain individuals, particularly those who may accidentally breach the law without causing harm, raising questions about fairness in the enforcement of such stringent penalties. Moreover, it could draw attention to the broader topic of current traffic safety laws and suggestions for educational campaigns to improve awareness rather than focusing solely on punitive measures.