6/28/05-Gov. Rick Perry has signed a bill into law outlawing devices that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach. But some drivers have managed to purchase them on the Internet for less than a couple of hundred dollars.
The new law, previously HB364, is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from possessing mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRTs.
Violators could face a $500 fine.

5/2/05-The House has approved a bill that would outlaw the possession of devices that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach. But some drivers have managed to purchase them on the Internet for less than a couple of hundred dollars.
Sponsored by Rep. Glen Hegar, R-Katy, HB364 is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from possessing mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRTs.
HB364 calls for violators to face up to a $500 fine.
The devices, which sit on a vehicle’s dash, are not regulated by current federal standards because they rely on a beam of light instead of a radio wave to trigger the light-changing mechanisms that have been attached to some intersections.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.

2/16/05-A bill sponsored by Rep. Glenn Hegar, I-Katy, would outlaw the possession of devices that can change some traffic signals from red to green.
A traffic-light changer is designed to allow police, fire and other emergency officials to clear intersections before they approach.
HB364 is intended to deter anyone other than public safety and transit agencies from possessing so-called mobile infrared transmitters, or MIRTs.
The proposal doesn’t specify a fine amount for violators.
The devices, which sit on a vehicle’s dash, are not regulated by current federal standards because they rely on a beam of light instead of a radio wave to trigger the light-changing mechanisms that have been attached to some intersections.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.