TX
Texas House Bill HB1487

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1487

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.

Companion Bills

TX HB1458

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

Previously Filed As

TX SB478

Relating to the administration of the motorcycle operator training and safety program and requirements for the issuance of certain driver's licenses and commercial driver's licenses; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1527

Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3451

Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3758

Relating to repealing civil asset forfeiture provisions and establishing criminal asset forfeiture in this state.

TX HB828

Relating to the age of criminal responsibility and to certain substantive and procedural matters related to that age.

TX HB501

Relating to the age of criminal responsibility and to certain substantive and procedural matters related to that age.

TX HB3186

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.

TX SB1505

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.

TX SB1427

Relating to certain criminal conduct and organizations that threaten the security of this state and its residents and borders; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

MD HB1215

Transportation Financing - Retail Delivery Fee and Transportation Network Company Impact Fee (Transportation Funding Act of 2024)

TX SB2949

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.

TX SB1383

Relating to the creation and administration of the Texas Local Participation Transportation Program.

TX HB2068

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

TX SB2185

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

TX SB918

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.

TX HB2048

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.

TX HB3469

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.