Relating to the funding of the designated trauma facility and emergency medical services account through the imposition of court costs on persons convicted of certain driving-related offenses.
Impact
If enacted, SB1922 would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Transportation Code to introduce these costs specifically aimed at enhancing the funding of trauma care services. This measure promises to provide a consistent financing mechanism for emergency medical services through the collection of court fees. This could lead to improved availability of trauma care, which, in turn, may have a positive impact on public safety and emergency response capabilities across the state.
Summary
SB1922 seeks to fund the designated trauma facility and emergency medical services account by imposing specific court costs on individuals convicted of certain driving-related offenses, particularly those involving operating a vehicle while intoxicated (DWI). The legislation specifies varying amounts of court costs based on the number of convictions and blood alcohol concentration levels of the offenders. For instance, a first-time offender may face a $1,500 surcharge, which escalates to $2,250 for subsequent convictions within a 36-month period, and $3,000 if the alcohol concentration exceeds 0.16.
Conclusion
In summary, SB1922 presents a dual approach to funding trauma services while addressing driving-related offenses. While it aims to bolster emergency medical resources, the implications of such legislative measures will require thorough consideration of their broader social impacts and community attitudes toward public safety, funding mechanisms, and criminal justice reforms.
Contention
There are potential points of contention regarding the bill. Opponents may argue that increasing court costs for DWI offenders disproportionately affects low-income individuals, potentially leading to further financial strain. Legislators might debate the ethics of using punitive financial measures as a means to fund public health services, questioning whether justice or public welfare should absorb the burdens of the criminal justice system. Furthermore, this bill could instigate discussions surrounding the efficacy of strict penalties in deterring drunk driving and the balance between enforcing road safety while supporting rehabilitation over punishment.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.
Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, testing, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of taxes and fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to a study by the Texas Department of Transportation on the feasibility of charging a pavement consumption fee for the operation of certain motor vehicles on public highways.
Relating to the regulation of certain facilities and operators engaged in the motor fuel transport or export business; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a civil penalty.
Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program and the amount and allocation of state traffic fine funds; authorizing and increasing criminal fines.
Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program and the amount and allocation of state traffic fine funds; eliminating program surcharges; authorizing and increasing criminal fines; increasing a fee.
Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program and the amount and allocation of state traffic fine funds; eliminating program surcharges; authorizing and increasing criminal fines; increasing a fee.
Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program and the amount and allocation of state traffic fine funds; authorizing and increasing criminal fines.