Bill Caption

Fiscal Notes

Bill Analysis

Summary: This legislation would enhance the penalty for the offense of reckless driving, not to exceed $1,000 and confinement in county jail for not more than 90 days. Or an offender can be punished by applying both the fine and the confinement. This penalty would apply regardless of whether or not an accident or injury was sustained.

Analysis: This bill would amend section 542.401 of the Transportation Code, which currently stipulates that reckless driving carries a penalty of up to $200 and/or 30 days in jail. This legislation is written in a way that the definition of reckless driving could be broadly interpreted and would likely result in more incarcerations. The current penalty is suitable to the crime. The proposed penalty enhancement would not fit the crime. We oppose HB 1216.