Texas Senate Bill SB182

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/24/11
• Introduced: 11/9/10
• Voted on by Senate: 4/7/11
• Refer: 1/31/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/12/11
• Report Pass: 3/24/11
• Engrossed: 4/7/11
• Refer: 4/28/11
• Report Pass: 5/11/11

Caption

Relating to the penalty for the offense of reckless driving.

Impact

The proposed amendments will introduce the possibility of community supervision and mandatory completion of a driving safety course for those found guilty under these new provisions. This approach aims to promote safer driving practices and further encourages responsible behavior on Texas roads. By increasing penalties, the legislation is designed to deter individuals from reckless driving, contributing to the overarching goal of enhancing public safety within the state's transport network.

Summary

Senate Bill 182 seeks to amend the current penalties associated with the offense of reckless driving in the state of Texas. The bill proposes an increase in the severity of penalties for reckless driving incidents that result in serious bodily injury or fatality to another motor vehicle operator or passenger, reclassifying such offenses as Class B misdemeanors. This reclassification signifies a noticeable shift in the legal repercussions for drivers who engage in reckless behavior that leads to severe consequences for other road users.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to bolster public safety, it may encounter opposition related to concerns about potential overreach in penalizing drivers. Advocates for motorist rights might argue that increasing penalties could disproportionately affect individuals who may have made an unintentional mistake. Moreover, the imposition of mandatory driving safety courses raises questions about accessibility and the potential financial burden on convicted individuals, highlighting a need for consideration of equitable outcomes in enforcement.