According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), SB 305 is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact on the state of Texas. Any costs associated with the bill’s implementation—such as law enforcement awareness efforts or minor procedural adjustments in court enforcement—can be absorbed using existing resources. The bill does not create new regulatory agencies, impose additional burdens on law enforcement, or require new infrastructure, which helps mitigate costs.

Similarly, local governments are not expected to incur significant financial impacts as a result of this bill. The legislation primarily modifies existing traffic laws rather than creating new enforcement mechanisms that would require additional personnel or funding. The Office of Court Administration and the Department of Public Safety have indicated that any minor increases in enforcement or citation processing can be managed within their current budgets.

In summary, SB 305 is a low-cost policy adjustment aimed at improving roadside safety without imposing additional financial strain on state or local government budgets.

SB 305 is a necessary and practical expansion of Texas' "Move Over" law, which currently requires drivers to slow down or change lanes when approaching certain stationary vehicles with activated visual signals. This bill extends those protections to include animal control vehicles and local authority parking enforcement vehicles. The legislation is motivated by a tragic incident in which two Levelland Animal Control Officers were struck and killed while parked on the side of a highway. By adding these workers to the existing law, SB 305 aims to improve roadside safety and reduce the risk of similar accidents in the future.

The bill does not introduce new regulatory burdens or impose excessive penalties, making it a reasonable adjustment rather than an overreach of government authority. The requirements placed on drivers—to slow down or change lanes—are not overly restrictive and serve a legitimate public safety purpose.

SB 305 aligns with responsible governance by prioritizing public safety while maintaining a balanced approach to regulation. The bill is a necessary refinement of existing law, responding to a demonstrated need without imposing unnecessary costs or restrictions. Given its clear public safety benefits, minimal fiscal impact, and alignment with some liberty principles, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 305.

• HB 2041 (Same As)