Bill Caption

Relating to the prima facie speed limit on certain streets and highways.

Bill Analysis

HB 442 would revise requirements for a municipality to change the prima facie speed limit on certain roadways.

The bill would stipulate that a "municipality is not required to perform an engineering or traffic investigation to declare a lower speed limit under this subsection if the street is located in a residence district."

The bill would also exclude a speed limit reduced by a municipality in a residence district from a requirement that the speed limit becomes effective when the municipality erects signs giving notice of the new speed limit, and a requirement for publication of an annual report regarding citations and accidents in an area with a lowered speed limit. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action opposes HB 442 which is inconsistent with limited government and individual liberty. This bill would allow municipalities to reduce speed limits without first justifying it with appropriate evidence and data, and remove notice and transparency measures intended to inform citizens and keep government accountable.