HBA-MPA, PDH H.B. 964 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 964
By: Cuellar
Transportation
6/29/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 76th Legislature, only certified peace officers were permitted
to direct traffic.  Public school district crossing guards were permitted
to escort children across streets in designated areas but were prohibited
from directing traffic. Some districts hire off-duty peace officers to
direct traffic and minimize the danger associated with traffic.  Few school
districts have the financial resources to hire certified peace officers,
however, most districts have crossing guards on staff.  H.B. 964 allows the
local authority to develop a school traffic control certification which
would be awarded to an individual who completes a certification training
course in traffic control based on recognized standards. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 542.501, Transportation Code, to include a
person trained under Section 600.004, Transportation Code, who is directing
traffic in a school crossing zone, among those whose orders may not be
willfully disregarded. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Chapter 600, Transportation Code, by adding Section
600.004, as follows: 

Sec. 600.004.  TRAINING OF SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD.  Authorizes a local
authority to permit a school crossing guard to direct traffic in a school
crossing zone if the guard successfully completes a training program in
traffic direction as defined by the basic peace officer course curriculum
established by the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and
Education.  Provides that a school crossing guard is not a peace officer
and is prohibited from carrying a weapon while directing traffic in a
school crossing zone. 

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.