6/20/03-Gov. Rick Perry signed a transportation bill June 19 that broadens the state’s ability to build trade corridors and add fines for bad drivers to fund trauma centers.
HB3588 took effect immediately with the governor’s approval.
The new law gives the thumbs-up for Perry’s plan for the Trans Texas Corridor project, which envisions major roadway and rail trade arteries crisscrossing the state. It also creates a program intended to raise $1 billion for trauma centers over the next five years by fining habitually bad drivers.
Under the new program, commercial drivers convicted of two traffic violations within three years, including speeding, reckless driving, improper lane changes and others, or one railroad crossing violation, the license will be suspended for 60 days. For three violations, or two railroad violations, the license will be suspended for 120 days.
The new rule, which extends to commercial drivers personal vehicles, prohibits drivers from being able to complete a driver safety course to clear their driving record.
All drivers who are cited for three moving violations or cause two accidents within three years would pay an extra $100 in license renewal fees. More offenses would mean higher fines.
Drunken driving offenders would face fines up to $1,000, with all the money going toward Texas trauma centers.

5/23/03-Gov. Rick Perry is pushing legislation to go after habitually bad drivers with hefty fines to help finance the state’s trauma care centers and highway projects.
HB3588 would raise a projected $1 million over the next five years for the state’s trauma centers and a similar amount for roads.
About 33 percent of the state’s trauma patients lacked insurance in 2001, costing trauma care centers $181 million, Perry said in a statement.
“ The need for additional funding at our trauma centers is clear,” he said. “Among the 10 largest states, Texas has the highest fatality rate for speeding-related accidents and alcohol-related accidents.”
Under the plan, the state would tack a $30 surcharge on some driving violations and impose new fines on repeat offenders.
Drivers cited for three or more moving violations or for causing two accidents within three years would pay an additional $100 to renew their licenses. More offenses would mean higher fines.
Repeat drunken driving offenders would face additional fines up to $1,500.
The bill is in the Senate’s Infrastructure Development and Security Committee. For bill status, call (512) 463-2182.