84R1269 JRR-F
By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 47
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study concerning enforcement of following distance
laws in this state.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 411, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter Z to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER Z. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Sec. 411.951. STUDY AND REPORT ON FOLLOWING DISTANCE
ENFORCEMENT. (a) The department shall conduct a study of the
incidence of, and costs associated with, drivers' failure to
maintain safe following distance as required by Section 545.062,
Transportation Code. At a minimum, the study must:
(1) determine whether current enforcement methods
adequately deter violations of Section 545.062, Transportation
Code; and
(2) make recommendations concerning ways to enhance
enforcement methods, if the department determines that current
enforcement methods are inadequate.
(b) In conducting the study described by Subsection (a), the
department may consider the use of technologies such as laser,
radar, or other electronic or mechanical devices that would enable
peace officers to measure the distance between two or more motor
vehicles in motion.
(c) Not later than January 15, 2017, the department shall
submit a report on the results of the study conducted under this
section to the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of
representatives, and the presiding officer of each standing
committee of the legislature with jurisdiction over transportation
matters. The report must:
(1) describe the impact that the recommendations made
under Subsection (a)(2), if any, have, or are predicted to have, on
the incidence of unsafe following distance in this state; and
(2) include recommendations for proposed legislation
appropriate to regulate or mitigate the use of the technologies
described by Subsection (b), if the recommendations made under
Subsection (a)(2) include the use of technologies described by
Subsection (b).
(d) This section expires August 31, 2017.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.