Texas House Bill HB1097

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the amount of a fine for certain traffic offenses committed in a construction or maintenance work zone.

Impact

This legislation is likely to have a notable impact on traffic enforcement in construction zones throughout Texas. By formalizing the requirements for signage and defining what constitutes a work zone, the bill aims to reduce accidents and ensure that both workers and drivers are more aware of the potential hazards present during construction activities. Increased visibility and clarity can lead to better compliance with speed limits and safety protocols, potentially saving lives and preventing injuries in these vulnerable situations.

Summary

House Bill 1097 pertains to the definition and regulation of construction or maintenance work zones on highways or streets in Texas. Specifically, it amends previous statutes to clarify the parameters under which these zones are defined. The bill emphasizes the importance of signage in these areas, including indications of maximum lawful speed limits and warnings that fines will double when workers are present. The intention behind the bill is to enhance safety for workers and motorists in construction areas by creating clearer guidelines for compliance and enforcement.

Contention

While the bill received overwhelming support during voting, with 143 yeas against only 3 nays, debates during discussions highlighted issues surrounding the enforcement of doubled fines. Some critics raised concerns about the fairness of doubling the fines and whether it would disproportionately affect lower-income drivers. Moreover, there were discussions on the adequacy of signage and whether the cost to local municipalities to comply with these regulations could be a burden, particularly in smaller communities with limited budgets. These points of contention persisted despite the strong overall support for the bill.