Texas Conservative Lobbyist News: Texas 83rd Legislative Session Bill Update

Texas Conservative Lobbyist News: Texas 83rd Legislative Session Bill Update

The following is a synopsis of recently filed bills in the 83rd session.

H.B. 812
By: Cook
State Affairs
Committee Report (Unamended)

Currently the Employees Retirement System of Texas, also known as ERS, is not subject to the Texas Sunset Act. Some parties, concerned that the ERS oversees million dollar contracts with considerable latitude, contend that sunset review oversight would protect state resources and taxpayers. The bill amends the current code to subject The ERS to the requirements of the Texas Sunset Act.

H.B. 955
By: Isaac
Transportation
Committee Report (Unamended)

Under current Texas law, reckless driving convictions do not take into account the results of that action. Concerned parties contend that a reckless driver could cause the death of others, but in the event his or her vehicle was not involved in the accident, might only receive the maximum fine for reckless driving of $200. These parties contend that reckless driving should be subject to greater penalties when it results in injury or death and that courts should take into consideration the results of reckless driving and be authorized to take other actions in those cases.