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


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 964
By: Cuellar
Transportation
3/8/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, only certified peace officers are permitted to direct traffic.
Public school district crossing guards are permitted to escort children
across streets in designated areas but are 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 short certification training
course in traffic control. 

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 four-hour training
program developed by the local authority. Provides that a school crossing
guard is not a peace officer and prohibits the carrying of a weapon while
directing traffic in a school crossing zone. 

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