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.