TX
Texas Senate Bill SB918

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB918

Caption

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.

Impact

The proposed changes under SB918 would significantly impact the financial obligations of drivers in Texas, particularly regarding how traffic fines are imposed and collected. By abolishing the existing surcharges, which have often resulted in suspended licenses due to non-payment, the bill seeks to improve access to driving for financially vulnerable citizens. Additionally, it brings changes to how certain violations are classified and aims to ensure more equitable treatment for offenders. Potential increases in criminal fines also indicate a rethinking of how the state manages revenue from traffic offenses.

Summary

Senate Bill 918 aims to repeal the driver responsibility program in Texas, which has drawn considerable criticism over the years for its surcharge system that many claim disproportionately affects low-income drivers. The bill proposes to eliminate program surcharges and amend various sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Transportation Code, Education Code, Government Code, and Health and Safety Code. This legislative move is intended to address the inequities associated with the program and reallocate responsibilities regarding traffic violations and associated fines more directly within the criminal justice framework.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB918 relate to concerns about funding for state and local programs that rely on the revenue generated from these traffic fines and surcharges. Opponents may argue that eliminating the program could leave a fiscal gap, adversely impacting emergency services or municipal budgets dependent on these revenues. Additionally, discussions will likely focus on the balance between penalizing traffic violations and ensuring that penalties do not unduly burden low-income drivers.

Future considerations

As the bill progresses, lawmakers will have to consider the feedback from various stakeholders, including law enforcement, public safety advocates, and community organizations that represent affected drivers. Their input will be crucial in shaping a final version of the bill that addresses both fiscal needs and social justice concerns related to traffic enforcement.

Companion Bills

TX HB2048

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1998

Relating to the regulation of physicians, the disciplinary authority of the Texas Medical Board, and the administration of the Texas Physician Health Program; increasing a criminal penalty; imposing a surcharge.

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 HB3554

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of trafficking of persons if committed at certain locations.

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 SB224

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX HB4598

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX HB2603

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of trafficking of persons if committed at certain locations.

TX HB3345

Relating to the amount of the fee imposed on certain sexually oriented businesses that is allocated to the sexual assault program fund and the allocation of certain other revenue to that fund; increasing the amount of a fee.

Similar Bills

MD HB1215

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

TX SB1383

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

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 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 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.

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 HB1145

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