Texas House Bill HB1487

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the repeal of the driver responsibility program and the amount and allocation of state traffic fine funds; authorizing and increasing criminal fines.

Impact

The repeal of the driver responsibility program is expected to have a considerable impact on individuals with prior moving violations, as they will no longer be subject to additional surcharges that have caused financial strain for many. By redistributing the collected fines, the bill intends to improve the allocations towards public safety initiatives and the operation of court systems that deal with traffic offenses. This could make legal resolutions for violations more equitable and less burdensome financially for offenders.

Summary

House Bill 1487 proposes the repeal of the driver responsibility program in Texas, which was established to impose surcharges on certain traffic offenses. The bill seeks to allocate state traffic fine funds differently while authorizing the increase in criminal fines for specific violations. This significant change aims to simplify the regulation surrounding traffic fines and oversight, promoting a more straightforward administration of traffic laws in the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from concerns regarding revenue loss for programs previously funded by the driver responsibility program. Critics argue that the state could face budget shortfalls in essential areas if the proposed changes lead to a decrease in collected traffic fines. As the bill includes provisions for potentially increasing certain criminal fines, questions of fairness in enforcing these increased penalties have been raised, particularly in low-income communities that may be disproportionately affected.