The Safe Passing bill, HB 2225, failed to make it to the House floor before the midnight deadline on Thursday, May 9, for introducing bills originating in the House.
There was hope that Safe Passing would be heard on the floor when HB 2225 was voted out of Calendars committee on May 7, but the agenda was so backed up going into Thursday morning that lawmakers were still finishing up the Tuesday list. In each session, many bills are left behind at this deadline, and this session is no exception; we were certainly not the only ones disappointed on Friday morning. Complete Streets, HB 1102, was never voted out of the Transportation Committee and so it is also eliminated from consideration.
The Senate version of both bills, SB 1515 (Safe Passing) and SB 565 (Complete Streets), never had a hearing in the Transportation Committee, and are likewise now eliminated from proceeding.
While chances are very low, BikeTexas staff will look for opportunities for Safe Passing to become an amendment on another bill. BikeTexas will continue to work at the Capitol for HB 63, Ban on Texting While Driving. Many thanks to all of you who answered the BikeTexas Action Alerts and contacted your representatives. Your efforts have gone a long way toward reminding your elected officials that their constituents care about Texas being a great state to bike and walk. Thank you for your support! Keep an eye out for any more updates in these last couple of weeks of the session.
