6/6/03-A bill that would have dropped speeding fines to $25 on roads where the speed limits were lowered to 55 mph because of a regional plan to reduce air pollution has died.
HB1001 would have kept those tickets off a driver’s record, which can trigger higher vehicle insurance rates.
The bill’s supporters contend that if the Texas Department of Transportation has determined that 70 mph is safe, drivers should not be penalized for exceeding an artificially low limit.
The proposal was in the House environmental regulation committee when the regular session ended June 2.

3/25/03-HB1001 would drop speeding fines to $25 on roads where the speed limits were lowered to 55 mph because of a regional plan to reduce air pollution.
It also would keep those tickets off a driver's record, which can trigger higher vehicle insurance rates.
The bill's sponsors contend that if the Texas Department of Transportation has determined that 70 mph is safe, drivers should not be penalized for exceeding an artificially low limit.
The measure has been sent to the House environmental regulation committee. For bill status, call (512) 463-2182.

2/27/03-HB1001 would drop speeding fines to $25 on Houston-area roads where the speed limits were lowered because of a regional plan to reduce air pollution.
The bill would apply anywhere where speed limits are lowered for pollution reasons, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It also would keep those tickets off a driver's record, which can trigger higher auto insurance rates.
The bill's sponsors, Republican Reps. Dennis Bonnen of Angleton and Gary Elkins and Debbie Riddle of Houston, contend that if the Texas Department of Transportation has determined that 70 mph is safe, drivers should not be penalized for exceeding an artificially low limit.
Speed limits were lowered in the environmental plan on virtually every highway in Harris, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Waller, Montgomery, Liberty, Chambers and Galveston counties. However, drivers going more than 20 mph over the limit would not benefit from the proposed reduced fine.
The bill's proponents say area highways have already been deemed safe for higher speed limits and the lower limits were not set for safety concerns.
The measure has been sent to the House transportation committee. For bill status, call (512) 463-2182.