Senate Transportation Committee
In the Senate
Senate HearingHearing Update:
Just a few hours ago, BikeTexas staff returned from the Senate Transportation Committee Hearing with one more step completed towards the success of the 2009 Safe Passing Bill. The Committee heard testimony in favor of the bill (CSSB 488) from tow truck operators and the BikeTexas executive director. Family of slain cyclist Anthony Mungioli were not able to attend, but submitted written testimony; Commander Sean Mannix of the Austin Police Department had been called away when the bill came up, but was recognized as having signed up to testify in support.
The bill is now pending, and we expect the committee to vote on it within a couple of weeks. The hearing went smoothly and we are very optimistic.
What’s Next:
If the Safe Passing Bill passes the Senate Transportation Committee, the next step will be a floor vote by the full Senate. At that time we will alert you to contact your State Senator to ask that he or she vote in favor of the bill.
In the House
Hearing Update:
The House Transportation Committee heard the Safe Passing Bill (CSHB 827) on Tuesday, March 24, and we have received word that they will not vote on it this week. So you still have time to make a difference! The two Representatives below have not indicated that they will support the bill.
Rep. Larry Phillips, (Vice-Chair) R- Fannin, Grayson, Dist. 62
Rep. Tommy Merritt, R- Longview, Dist. 7
Sherman and Longview cyclists, if you haven’t already, please ask your Representatives to support the bill! (Click here to find out if you are a constituent of either of these Representatives.)
What’s next:
If the Safe Passing Bill passes the House Transportation Committee, it will then go to the Calendars Committee, which determines when and which bills go to the House floor for a vote by the whole House. At that time we will let constituents of the Calendars Committee members know that it’s time to ask their Representatives to vote for the bill. Once out of Calendars, it will be time for the full-court press – we will ask all Texas cyclists to contact their Representatives and urge them to support Safe Passing.
Please forward this to friends!