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
With SB1923, the legislative changes introduce several new financial obligations for individuals convicted of moving violations, particularly those related to operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Under the new provisions, substantial court costs will be levied against offenders, with a specific focus on high-impact offenses. This approach not only aims to deter reckless driving but also ensures that substantial funds are redirected towards enhancing emergency medical services and trauma facilities.
Summary
SB1923 relates to the funding of the designated trauma facility and emergency medical services account through the imposition of specific court costs on individuals convicted of certain driving-related offenses. The bill aims to generate revenue that would be allocated to trauma facilities and emergency medical services, recognizing the need for robust funding in these critical areas of healthcare. By instituting a clear financial framework for offenders, the bill seeks to bolster the resources available for trauma care across Texas.
Contention
Critics of SB1923 may voice concerns over the financial burden that these additional court costs place on offenders, particularly for individuals already struggling with the consequences of a conviction. They could argue that such measures disproportionately affect lower-income individuals and families. Supporters, on the other hand, contend that the funding generated through these fees is essential for maintaining and improving trauma care services, which ultimately benefit all residents in emergency situations.
Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
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 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 the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
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.