Relating to the use of certain money from the state highway fund for certain projects in the Safe Routes to School Program.
Impact
If enacted, HB4417 will enable the Texas Department of Transportation to allocate state highway funds towards critical infrastructure improvements that directly benefit school-aged children. This represents an important shift in how state funds can be utilized, particularly in enhancing safety through better sidewalk access. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the need for accessible and safe routes to schools, which could ultimately lead to a decrease in traffic-related accidents involving students.
Summary
House Bill 4417 proposes amendments to the Texas Transportation Code, specifically allowing the use of funds from the state highway fund for projects in the Safe Routes to School Program. This bill is aimed at funding the construction and replacement of sidewalks to promote safer travel routes for students. The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance pedestrian safety in school zones and ensure that children have safe access to educational facilities.
Contention
While the bill is designed to improve safety for students, there may be concerns regarding the allocation of highway funds, particularly if there are competing needs for roadway maintenance and construction. Critics might argue that diverting funds for pedestrian projects could detract from essential highway infrastructure improvements. As such, the debate surrounding HB4417 can center on priorities within the state's transportation funding landscape and the most effective means of ensuring safety for children on their way to school.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Transportation Code
Chapter 201. General Provisions And Administration
Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including the establishment of a school safety grant program and a school safety plan implementation grant program, and the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the state school safety fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the state school safety fund to provide ongoing financial support for projects that ensure the safety of public schools in this state and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.
Relating to the allocation of certain constitutional transfers of money to the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, and the Grow Texas fund and to the permissible uses of money deposited to the Grow Texas fund.