Texas House Bill HB1906

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/28/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/19/11
• Voted on by House: 4/27/11
• Refer: 3/7/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/11/11
• Report Pass: 4/18/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/19/11
• Engrossed: 4/27/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/3/11
• Report Pass: 5/11/11
• Enrolled: 5/23/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the idling of motor vehicles; providing a criminal penalty.

Impact

By establishing legal statutes that penalize excessive idling, HB1906 seeks to reduce vehicle emissions, which are a contributor to air pollution in urban areas. The bill provides local authorities with the means to enforce regulations that they see fit to safeguard public health and improve air quality. This authority could empower municipalities to create tailored regulations that meet their specific environmental needs, thereby fostering a more proactive approach to managing vehicle emissions statewide.

Summary

House Bill 1906 focuses on the regulation of motor vehicle idling within the state of Texas. The bill aims to enhance local control over air quality by allowing local governments to adopt rules regarding the idling of motor vehicles. It introduces criminal penalties for violations of such local idling limitations. Specifically, the bill makes it a Class C misdemeanor to violate any rule established by the commission concerning idling limits enforced at the local level, thereby formalizing a mechanism to address excessive vehicle idling as a potential environmental concern.

Contention

Despite its environmental intentions, the bill has potential points of contention. Opponents may argue that imposing fines for idling could burden drivers and small businesses, particularly in scenarios where idling is unavoidable, such as when waiting in traffic or during loading and unloading. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the enforcement of these regulations and the extent to which local governments should have the authority to regulate such behavior. Balancing environmental benefits with economic impacts will likely continue to be a key discussion point in the legislative process.