Texas Senate Bill SB1376

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/18/11
• Introduced: 3/9/11
• Refer: 3/22/11
• Report Pass: 4/18/11

Caption

Relating to prohibiting the sale and use of certain radar interference devices; creating an offense.

Impact

The introduction of SB1376 is expected to tighten regulations around traffic enforcement, specifically concerning devices that could undermine law enforcement efforts. By creating a legal framework that categorizes and penalizes the use of radar jamming equipment, the bill seeks to bolster public safety on Texas roads. This could potentially lower the instances of speeding and related accidents, thereby contributing to overall traffic safety improvements in the state. The associated penalties for violations are set as a Class C misdemeanor, which emphasizes the law's seriousness in combatting this issue.

Summary

SB1376 prohibits the sale and use of radar interference devices in Texas. The bill defines 'radar interference device' as any mechanism designed to interfere with or disrupt the functionalities of law enforcement radar or laser speed detection devices. By categorizing these devices, the bill aims to enhance the efficacy of speed enforcement by law enforcement agencies across the state. This legislative action was driven by concerns over increasing incidents where such interference devices were being used to evade accountability for speeding violations.

Contention

While the bill generally received support for its public safety intentions, there may be discussions among certain groups regarding personal freedoms and the definition of what constitutes a radar interference device. Critics might argue that some definitions could encompass legitimate technologies used for lawful purposes, leading to unintended consequences for users of other electronic devices. There is also concern about enforcement and whether law enforcement will apply the law fairly without overreach.