Texas House Bill HB2884

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/5/11
• Introduced: 3/10/11
• Voted on by House: 5/15/11
• Refer: 3/17/11
• Report Pass: 5/3/11
• Engrossed: 5/15/11
• Refer: 5/16/11

Caption

Relating to coordinated county transportation authorities; creating an offense.

Impact

One of the key innovations of this bill is the introduction of penalties for fare evasion. It establishes an offense for individuals using the transportation system without paying the appropriate fare, with administrative fees for non-compliance. This could potentially increase revenue for transportation authorities, which may improve the financial sustainability of public transit services. However, the implications of increased enforcement measures raise questions about accessibility and fairness for low-income riders who may struggle to afford fares.

Summary

House Bill 2884 seeks to amend existing laws relating to county transportation authorities and introduces new provisions regarding fare enforcement in public transportation systems. Specifically, the bill modifies Section 460.106 of the Transportation Code to establish clearer guidelines for the implementation of service plans within transportation authorities based on local voting outcomes concerning tax levies. This emphasizes the importance of community approval in transportation funding, giving local citizens a voice in how public services are financed.

Contention

There may be significant debate regarding the impact of fare enforcement on vulnerable populations. Critics might argue that implementing fine structures and penalizing fare evaders could disproportionately affect low-income individuals who rely on public transit. Supporters of the bill may counter that maintaining a fair fare system is essential for operational viability and that measures taken will help deter misuse of the transportation system. Local governments might also have varying opinions on how these changes could affect municipal autonomy and control over local transportation policies.