88R3240 DIO-D     By: Canales H.B. No. 2190       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the terminology used to describe   transportation-related accidents.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 22.085(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  A joint board may use contracts and rating plans and may   implement risk management programs designed to prevent crashes   [accidents]. In developing its insurance program, a joint board   may consider the peculiar hazards, indemnity standards, and past   prospective loss and expense experience of the joint board and of   its contractors and subcontractors.          SECTION 2.  Section 66.017, Transportation Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 66.017.  DUTIES.  The board shall:                (1)  establish the number of pilots necessary to   provide adequate pilot services for each Harris County port;                (2)  accept applications for pilot licenses and   certificates and determine whether each applicant meets the   qualifications for a pilot;                (3)  submit to the governor lists of applicants the   board finds to be qualified for appointment as pilots;                (4)  establish pilotage rates;                (5)  approve the locations for pilot stations;                (6)  establish times during which pilot services will   be available;                (7)  hear and determine complaints relating to the   conduct of pilots;                (8)  recommend to the governor each pilot whose license   or certificate should not be renewed or should be revoked;                (9)  adopt rules and issue orders to pilots or vessels   when necessary to secure efficient pilot services, including   minimizing the interference of two-way routes;                (10)  institute investigations or hearings or both to   consider casualties, crashes [accidents], or other actions that   violate this chapter; and                (11)  provide penalties to be imposed on a person who is   not a pilot for a Harris County port who pilots a vessel into or out   of the port if a pilot offered those services to the vessel.          SECTION 3.  Section 67.017, Transportation Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 67.017.  DUTIES. The board shall:                (1)  recommend to the governor the number of pilots   necessary to provide adequate pilot services for each Galveston   County port;                (2)  accept applications for pilot licenses and   certificates and determine whether each applicant meets the   qualifications for a pilot;                (3)  provide names of all qualified applicants for   certificates to each pilot association office of Galveston County;                (4)  submit to the governor the names of persons who   have qualified under this chapter to be appointed as branch pilots;                (5)  establish pilotage rates;                (6)  approve any changes of the locations for pilot   stations;                (7)  establish times during which pilot services will   be available;                (8)  hear and determine complaints relating to the   conduct of pilots;                (9)  make recommendations to the governor concerning   any pilot whose license or certificate should not be renewed or   should be revoked;                (10)  adopt rules and issue orders to pilots and   vessels when necessary to secure efficient pilot services;                (11)  institute investigations or hearings or both to   consider casualties, crashes [accidents], or other actions that   violate this chapter;                (12)  provide penalties to be imposed on a person who is   not a pilot for a Galveston County port and who pilots a vessel into   or out of the port; and                (13)  approve a training program for deputy branch   pilots.          SECTION 4.  Section 68.017, Transportation Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 68.017.  DUTIES. The board shall:                (1)  recommend to the governor the number of pilots   necessary to provide adequate pilot services for each Brazoria   County port;                (2)  accept applications for pilot licenses and   certificates and determine whether each applicant meets the   qualifications for a pilot;                (3)  provide the names of all qualified applicants for   certificates to the Brazos Pilots Association;                (4)  submit to the governor the names of persons who   have qualified under this chapter to be commissioned as branch   pilots;                (5)  establish pilotage rates;                (6)  approve the locations for pilot stations;                (7)  establish times during which pilot services will   be available;                (8)  hear and determine complaints relating to the   conduct of pilots;                (9)  recommend to the governor each pilot whose license   or certificate should not be renewed or should be revoked;                (10)  adopt rules and issue orders to pilots or vessels   when necessary to secure efficient pilot services;                (11)  institute investigations or hearings or both to   consider casualties, crashes [accidents], or other actions that   violate this chapter;                (12)  provide penalties to be imposed on a person who is   not a pilot for a Brazoria County port who pilots a vessel into or   out of the port; and                (13)  approve a training program for deputy branch   pilots.          SECTION 5.  Sections 69.017(a) and (c), Transportation Code,   are amended to read as follows:          (a)  The board shall:                (1)  establish the number of pilots necessary to   provide adequate pilot services for each Jefferson or Orange County   port;                (2)  establish pilotage rates;                (3)  hear and determine complaints relating to the   conduct of pilots;                (4)  make recommendations to the governor concerning   any pilot whose license or certificate should not be renewed or   should be revoked;                (5)  adopt rules and issue orders to pilots and vessels   when necessary to secure efficient pilot services;                (6)  institute investigations or hearings or both to   consider casualties, crashes [accidents], or other actions that   violate this chapter;                (7)  provide penalties to be imposed on a person who is   not a pilot for a Jefferson or Orange County port and who pilots a   vessel into or out of the port if the person offered pilot services   to the vessel;                (8)  establish times during which pilot services will   be available;                (9)  accept applications for pilot licenses and   certificates and determine whether each applicant meets the   qualifications for a pilot;                (10)  submit to the governor the names of persons who   have qualified under this chapter to be appointed as branch pilots;   and                (11)  approve any changes of the locations of pilot   stations.          (c)  The board may assess against the users of pilot   services:                (1)  the actual costs the board considers fair and just   incurred in connection with hearings against any applicant or   objecting party; and                (2)  other expenses that are necessary and proper to   enable the board to effectively carry out the purposes and   requirements of this chapter, including processing of applications   for pilot licenses and certificates, establishing pilotage,   determining and approving the locations for pilot stations,   establishing times during which pilot services will be available,   hearing and ruling on complaints relating to the conduct of pilots,   adopting rules and issuing orders to pilots or vessels when   necessary to secure efficient pilot services, instituting   investigations or hearings to consider casualties, crashes   [accidents], or other actions that violate this chapter, making of   any provision for proper, safe, and efficient pilotage, and funding   general administrative expenses associated with the operation of   the board.          SECTION 6.  Section 70.017, Transportation Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 70.017.  DUTIES. The board shall:                (1)  recommend to the governor the number of pilots   necessary to provide adequate pilot services for the Port of Corpus   Christi;                (2)  examine and determine the qualifications of each   applicant for branch pilot;                (3)  submit to the governor the names of persons who   have qualified under this chapter to be appointed as branch pilots;                (4)  establish pilotage rates;                (5)  approve any changes of the locations of pilot   stations;                (6)  establish times during which pilot services will   be available;                (7)  hear and determine complaints relating to the   conduct of pilots;                (8)  make recommendations to the governor concerning   any pilot whose license or certificate should not be renewed or   should be revoked;                (9)  adopt rules and issue orders to pilots and vessels   when necessary to secure efficient pilot services; and                (10)  institute investigations or hearings or both to   consider casualties, crashes [accidents], or other actions that   violate this chapter.          SECTION 7.  Sections 112.103(b) and (c), Transportation   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (b)  An operator who is involved, while operating a   locomotive, in a crash [an accident] resulting in injury to or death   of a person or damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by a   person shall immediately stop the locomotive at the scene of the   crash [accident].          (c)  The operator shall render to a person injured in the   crash [accident] reasonable assistance, including transporting, or   the making of arrangements for transporting, the person to a   physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment   if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or if the injured   person requests transportation.          SECTION 8.  Section 192.005, Transportation Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 192.005.  RECORD OF CRASH [ACCIDENT] OR VIOLATION.  If   a person operating a railroad locomotive or train is involved in a   crash [an accident] with another train or a motor vehicle or is   arrested for violation of a law relating to the person's operation   of a railroad locomotive or train:                (1)  the number of or other identifying information on   the person's driver's license or commercial driver's license may not   be included in any report of the crash [accident] or violation; and                (2)  the person's involvement in the crash [accident]   or violation may not be recorded in the person's individual driving   record maintained by the Department of Public Safety.          SECTION 9.  Section 201.806, Transportation Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 201.806.  CRASH [ACCIDENT] REPORTS. (a)  The   department shall:                (1)  tabulate and analyze the vehicle crash [accident]   reports it receives; and                (2)  annually or more frequently publish on the   department's Internet website statistical information derived from   the crash [accident] reports as to the number, cause, and location   of highway crashes [accidents], including information regarding   the number of:                      (A)  crashes [accidents] involving injury to,   death of, or property damage to a bicyclist or pedestrian; and                      (B)  fatalities caused by a bridge collapse, as   defined by Section 550.081.          (b)  The department shall provide electronic access to the   system containing the crash [accident] reports so that the   Department of Public Safety can perform its duties, including the   duty to make timely entries on driver records.          SECTION 10.  Sections 201.909(a), (b), and (c),   Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  In this section, "victim" means a person killed in a   highway crash [accident] involving alcohol or a controlled   substance, excluding an operator who was under the influence of   alcohol or a controlled substance.          (b)  The commission by rule shall establish and administer a   memorial sign program to publicly memorialize the victims of   alcohol or controlled substance-related vehicle crashes   [accidents].          (c)  A sign designed and posted under this section shall   include:                (1)  the phrase "Please Don't Drink and Drive";                (2)  the phrase "In Memory Of" and the name of one or   more victims in accordance with the commission rule; and                (3)  the date of the crash [accident] that resulted in   the victim's death.          SECTION 11.  Sections 201.911(a), (b), and (c),   Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  In this section, "victim" means a person killed in a   highway crash [accident] while operating or riding on a motorcycle.          (b)  The commission by rule shall establish and administer a   memorial sign program to publicly memorialize the victims of   motorcycle crashes [accidents].          (c)  A sign designed and posted under this section shall   include:                (1)  a red cross;                (2)  the phrase "In Memory Of" and the name of one or   more victims in accordance with the commission rule; and                (3)  the date of the crash [accident] that resulted in   the victim's death.          SECTION 12.  Section 222.003(d), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (d)  Of the aggregate principal amount of bonds and other   public securities that may be issued under this section, the   commission shall issue bonds or other public securities in an   aggregate principal amount of $1.2 billion to fund projects that   reduce crashes [accidents] or correct or improve hazardous   locations on the state highway system.  The commission by rule   shall prescribe criteria for selecting projects eligible for   funding under this section.  In establishing criteria for the   projects, the commission shall consider crash [accident] data,   traffic volume, pavement geometry, and other conditions that can   create or exacerbate hazardous roadway conditions.          SECTION 13.  Section 391.038(c-2), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c-2)  Subsection (c-1) does not apply to the rebuilding of a   sign under Subsection (c) if the person who holds the permit for the   sign rebuilds because of damage to the sign caused by:                (1)  wind or a natural disaster;                (2)  a motor vehicle crash [accident]; or                (3)  an act of God.          SECTION 14.  Section 451.108(c), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c)  A peace officer commissioned under this section, except   as provided by Subsections (d) and (e), or a peace officer   contracted for employment by an authority confirmed before July 1,   1985, in which the principal municipality has a population of less   than 850,000, may:                (1)  make an arrest in any county in which the transit   authority system is located as necessary to prevent or abate the   commission of an offense against the law of this state or a   political subdivision of this state if the offense or threatened   offense occurs on or involves the transit authority system;                (2)  make an arrest for an offense involving injury or   detriment to the transit authority system;                (3)  enforce traffic laws and investigate traffic   crashes [accidents] that involve or occur in the transit authority   system; and                (4)  provide emergency and public safety services to   the transit authority system or users of the transit authority   system.          SECTION 15.  Section 451.454(c), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c)  Each audit must include an examination of:                (1)  one or more of the following:                      (A)  the administration and management of the   authority;                      (B)  transit operations; or                      (C)  transit authority system maintenance;                (2)  the authority's compliance with applicable state   law, including this chapter; and                (3)  the following performance indicators:                      (A)  operating cost per passenger, per revenue   mile, and per revenue hour;                      (B)  sales and use tax receipts per passenger;                      (C)  fare recovery rate;                      (D)  average vehicle occupancy;                      (E)  on-time performance;                      (F)  number of crashes [accidents] per 100,000   miles; and                      (G)  number of miles between mechanical road   calls.          SECTION 16.  Section 451.455(h), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (h)  The number of crashes [accidents] per 100,000 miles is   computed by multiplying the annual number of crashes [accidents] by   100,000 and dividing the product by the number of miles for all   service, including charter and nonrevenue service, directly   operated by the authority for the same period. In this subsection,   "crash [accident]" includes:                (1)  a collision that involves an authority's revenue   vehicle, other than a lawfully parked revenue vehicle, and that   results in property damage, injury, or death; and                (2)  an incident that results in the injury or death of   a person on board or boarding or alighting from an authority's   revenue vehicle.          SECTION 17.  Section 452.062(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  An authority may use contracts, rating plans, and risk   management programs designed to encourage crash [accident]   prevention.          SECTION 18.  Section 452.454(c), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c)  Each audit must include an examination of:                (1)  one or more of the following:                      (A)  the administration and management of the   authority;                      (B)  transit operations; or                      (C)  transit authority system maintenance;                (2)  the authority's compliance with applicable state   law, including this chapter; and                (3)  the following performance indicators:                      (A)  subsidy per passenger, operating cost per   revenue mile, and operating cost per revenue hour;                      (B)  sales and use tax receipts per passenger;                      (C)  fare recovery rate;                      (D)  number of passengers per hour;                      (E)  on-time performance;                      (F)  number of crashes [accidents] per 100,000   miles; and                      (G)  number of miles between mechanical service   calls.          SECTION 19.  Section 452.455(i), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (i)  The number of crashes [accidents] per 100,000 miles is   computed by multiplying the annual number of crashes [accidents] by   100,000 and dividing the product by the number of miles for all   service, including charter and nonrevenue service for the same   period.  In this subsection, "crash [accident]" includes:                (1)  a collision that involves an authority's revenue   vehicle, other than a lawfully parked revenue vehicle, and results   in property damage, injury, or death; and                (2)  an operating incident resulting in the injury or   death of a person on board or boarding or alighting from an   authority's revenue vehicle.          SECTION 20.  Section 460.110(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  An authority may use contracts, rating plans, and risk   management programs designed to encourage crash [accident]   prevention.          SECTION 21.  Section 463.065(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  An authority may use contracts, rating plans, and risk   management programs designed to encourage crash [accident]   prevention.          SECTION 22.  Section 521.025(c), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c)  A person who violates this section commits an   offense.  An offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor   punishable by a fine not to exceed $200, except that:                (1)  for a second conviction within one year after the   date of the first conviction, the offense is a misdemeanor   punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $200;                (2)  for a third or subsequent conviction within one   year after the date of the second conviction the offense is a   misdemeanor punishable by:                      (A)  a fine of not less than $25 or more than $500;                      (B)  confinement in the county jail for not less   than 72 hours or more than six months; or                      (C)  both the fine and confinement; and                (3)  if it is shown on the trial of the offense that at   the time of the offense the person was operating the motor vehicle   in violation of Section 601.191 and caused or was at fault in a   motor vehicle crash [accident] that resulted in serious bodily   injury to or the death of another person, an offense under this   section is a Class A misdemeanor.          SECTION 23.  Section 521.042, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 521.042.  CRASH [ACCIDENT] AND CONVICTION REPORTS;   INDIVIDUAL RECORDS. (a) Except as provided by this section, the   department shall record each crash [accident] report and abstract   of the court record of a conviction received by the department under   a law of this state.          (b)  The records must enable the department to consider, on   receipt of a renewal application and at other suitable times, the   record of each license holder that shows any:                (1)  conviction of that license holder; and                (2)  traffic crash [accident] in which the license   holder has been involved.          (c)  The record of a license holder who is employed as a peace   officer, fire fighter, or emergency medical services employee of   this state, a political subdivision of this state, or a special   purpose district may not include information relating to a traffic   crash [accident] that occurs while the peace officer, fire fighter,   or emergency medical services employee is driving an official   vehicle in the course and scope of the license holder's official   duties if:                (1)  the traffic crash [accident] resulted in damages   to property of less than $1,000; or                (2)  an investigation of the crash [accident] by a   peace officer, other than a peace officer involved in the crash   [accident], determines that the peace officer, fire fighter, or   emergency medical services employee involved in the crash   [accident] was not at fault.          (d)  Before issuing or renewing a license, the department   shall examine the record of the applicant for information relating   to a conviction of a traffic violation or involvement in a traffic   crash [accident]. The department may not issue or renew a license   if the department determines that the issuance or renewal of the   license would be inimical to the public safety.          (e)  The director may maintain records required under this   subchapter on microfilm or computer.          SECTION 24.  The heading to Section 521.046, Transportation   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 521.046.  DISCLOSURE OF CRASH [ACCIDENT] AND CONVICTION   INFORMATION.          SECTION 25.  Section 521.046(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  In addition to the information authorized to be released   under Section 521.045, on receipt of a written request and payment   of a $6 fee, the department may disclose that information and   information regarding each reported motor vehicle moving   violation, as defined by department rule, resulting in a traffic   law conviction and each motor vehicle crash [accident] in which the   individual received a citation, by date and location, within the   three years preceding the date of the request, to a person who:                (1)  is eligible to receive the information under   Chapter 730; and                (2)  submits to the department the individual's   driver's license number or the individual's full name and date of   birth.          SECTION 26.  Section 521.047(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  The department may disclose information as recorded in   department records that relates to:                (1)  the individual's date of birth;                (2)  the current license status of the individual;                (3)  the individual's most recent address;                (4)  the completion of an approved driver education   course by the individual;                (5)  the fact of, but not the reason for, completion of   a driver safety course by the individual; and                (6)  each of the individual's reported traffic law   violations and motor vehicle crashes [accidents], by date and   location.          SECTION 27.  Section 521.049(e), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (e)  A driver's license record or personal identification   certificate record provided under Subsection (d)(1) may not include   information relating to an individual's social security number or   any crash [accident] or conviction information about an individual.          SECTION 28.  Section 521.060(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The department shall maintain in its files a record of   the name, address, and telephone number of each individual   identified by the holder of a driver's license or personal   identification certificate as an individual the holder authorizes   to be contacted in the event that the holder is injured or dies in or   as a result of a vehicular crash [accident] or another emergency   situation.  In addition, the department shall maintain in its files   a record of any medical information described by Section 521.125(a)   that is provided to the department under Subsection (c) or any   health condition information that is voluntarily provided to the   department under Section 521.142(h).          SECTION 29.  Section 521.292(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The department shall suspend the person's license if the   department determines that the person:                (1)  has operated a motor vehicle on a highway while the   person's license was suspended, canceled, disqualified, or   revoked, or without a license after an application for a license was   denied;                (2)  is a habitually reckless or negligent operator of   a motor vehicle;                (3)  is a habitual violator of the traffic laws;                (4)  has permitted the unlawful or fraudulent use of   the person's license;                (5)  has committed an offense in another state or   Canadian province that, if committed in this state, would be   grounds for suspension;                (6)  has been convicted of two or more separate   offenses of a violation of a restriction imposed on the use of the   license;                (7)  has been responsible as a driver for any crash   [accident] resulting in serious personal injury or serious property   damage;                (8)  is under 18 years of age and has been convicted of   two or more moving violations committed within a 12-month period;   or                (9)  has committed an offense under Section 545.421.          SECTION 30.  Section 521.457(f-2), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (f-2)  An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor   if it is shown on the trial of the offense that at the time of the   offense the person was operating the motor vehicle in violation of   Section 601.191 and caused or was at fault in a motor vehicle crash   [accident] that resulted in serious bodily injury to or the death of   another person.          SECTION 31.  Section 522.003(25), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (25)  "Serious traffic violation" means:                      (A)  a conviction arising from the driving of a   motor vehicle, other than a parking, vehicle weight, or vehicle   defect violation, for:                            (i)  excessive speeding, involving a single   charge of driving 15 miles per hour or more above the posted speed   limit;                            (ii)  reckless driving, as defined by state   or local law;                            (iii)  a violation of a state or local law   related to motor vehicle traffic control, including a law   regulating the operation of vehicles on highways, arising in   connection with a fatal crash [accident];                            (iv)  improper or erratic traffic lane   change;                            (v)  following the vehicle ahead too   closely; or                            (vi)  a violation of Sections 522.011 or   522.042; or                      (B)  a violation of Section 522.015.          SECTION 32.  Section 522.081(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  Except as provided by this subsection, this subsection   applies to a violation committed while operating any type of motor   vehicle, including a commercial motor vehicle.  A person who holds   a commercial driver's license or commercial learner's permit is   disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for one year:                (1)  if convicted of three violations of a law that   regulates the operation of a motor vehicle at a railroad grade   crossing that occur within a three-year period;                (2)  on first conviction of:                      (A)  driving a motor vehicle under the influence   of alcohol or a controlled substance, including a violation of   Section 49.04, 49.045, or 49.07, Penal Code;                      (B)  leaving the scene of a crash [an accident]   involving a motor vehicle driven by the person;                      (C)  using a motor vehicle in the commission of a   felony, other than a felony described by Subsection (d)(2);                      (D)  causing the death of another person through   the negligent or criminal operation of a motor vehicle; or                      (E)  driving a commercial motor vehicle while the   person's commercial driver's license or commercial learner's permit   is revoked, suspended, or canceled, or while the person is   disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle, for an action   or conduct that occurred while operating a commercial motor   vehicle;                (3)  for refusing to submit to a test under Chapter 724   to determine the person's alcohol concentration or the presence in   the person's body of a controlled substance or drug while operating   a motor vehicle in a public place; or                (4)  if an analysis of the person's blood, breath, or   urine under Chapter 522, 524, or 724 determines that the person:                      (A)  had an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more,   or that a controlled substance or drug was present in the person's   body, while operating a commercial motor vehicle in a public place;   or                      (B)  had an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more   while operating a motor vehicle, other than a commercial motor   vehicle, in a public place.          SECTION 33.  Section 523.005(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The licensing authority in the home state, for the   purpose of suspension, revocation, cancellation, denial,   disqualification, or limitation of the privilege to operate a motor   vehicle, shall give the same effect to the conduct reported   pursuant to Section 523.004 as it would if such conduct had occurred   in the home state in the case of conviction for:                (1)  manslaughter or negligent homicide resulting from   the operation of a motor vehicle;                (2)  driving a motor vehicle while under the influence   of alcoholic beverages or a narcotic to a degree which renders the   driver incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle;                (3)  any felony in the commission of which a motor   vehicle is used; or                (4)  failure to stop and render aid or information in   the event of a motor vehicle crash [accident] resulting in the death   or personal injury of another.          SECTION 34.  Section 542.206, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 542.206.  EFFECT OF SPEED LIMITS IN A CIVIL ACTION. A   provision of this subtitle declaring a maximum or minimum speed   limit does not relieve the plaintiff in a civil action from the   burden of proving negligence of the defendant as the proximate   cause of a crash [an accident].          SECTION 35.  Section 542.4045, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 542.4045.  PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY   OFFENSE RESULTING IN CRASH [ACCIDENT]. If it is shown on the trial   of an offense under this subtitle in which an element is the failure   by the operator of a vehicle to yield the right-of-way to another   vehicle that a crash [an accident] resulted from the operator's   failure to yield the right-of-way:                (1)  the offense is punishable by a fine of not less   than $500 or more than $2,000, if a person other than the operator   of the vehicle suffered bodily injury, as defined by Section 1.07,   Penal Code, in the crash [accident]; and                (2)  the offense is punishable by a fine of not less   than $1,000 or more than $4,000, if a person other than the operator   of the vehicle suffered serious bodily injury, as defined by   Section 1.07, Penal Code, in the crash [accident].          SECTION 36.  Section 543.002(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  A person arrested for a violation of this subtitle   punishable as a misdemeanor shall be immediately taken before a   magistrate if:                (1)  the person is arrested on a charge of failure to   stop in the event of a crash [an accident] causing damage to   property; or                (2)  the person demands an immediate appearance before   a magistrate or refuses to make a written promise to appear in court   as provided by this subchapter.          SECTION 37.  Section 543.011(c), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c)  The law enforcement agency shall:                (1)  as soon as practicable contact the United States   Department of State to verify the person's status and immunity, if   any; and                (2)  not later than the fifth working day after the date   of the stop or issuance of the notice to appear, send to the Bureau   of Diplomatic Security and the Office of Foreign Missions of the   United States Department of State the following:                      (A)  a copy of any notice to appear issued to the   person and any crash [accident] report prepared; or                      (B)  if a notice to appear was not issued and a   crash [an accident] report was not prepared, a written report of the   incident.          SECTION 38.  Section 545.356(d), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (d)  The governing body of a municipality that declares a   lower speed limit on a highway or part of a highway under Subsection   (b-1) or (b-3), not later than February 1 of each year, shall   publish on its Internet website and submit to the department a   report that compares for each of the two previous calendar years:                (1)  the number of traffic citations issued by peace   officers of the municipality and the alleged speed of the vehicles,   for speed limit violations on the highway or part of the highway;                (2)  the number of warning citations issued by peace   officers of the municipality on the highway or part of the highway;   and                (3)  the number of vehicular crashes [accidents] that   resulted in injury or death and were attributable to speed limit   violations on the highway or part of the highway.          SECTION 39.  Section 545.3561, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 545.3561.  AUTHORITY OF MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY TO   TEMPORARILY LOWER SPEED LIMIT AT VEHICULAR CRASH [ACCIDENT]   RECONSTRUCTION SITE. (a)  The governing body of a municipality by   ordinance may give a designated official with transportation   engineering experience establishing speed limits discretion to   temporarily lower a prima facie speed limit for a highway or part of   a highway in the municipality, including a highway of the state   highway system, at the site of an investigation using vehicular   crash [accident] reconstruction.          (b)  A county commissioners court by order may give a   designated official with transportation engineering experience   establishing speed limits discretion to temporarily lower prima   facie speed limits for a county road or highway outside the   boundaries of a municipality at the site of an investigation using   vehicular crash [accident] reconstruction.  The authority granted   under this subsection does not include a road or highway in the   state highway system.          (c)  The Texas Department of Transportation shall develop   safety guidelines for the use of vehicular crash [accident]   reconstruction in investigations.  A municipality, county, or   designated official shall comply with the guidelines.          (d)  A designated official may temporarily lower prima facie   speed limits without the approval of or permission from the Texas   Department of Transportation.  A designated official who intends   to temporarily lower a prima facie speed limit at the site of an   investigation using vehicular crash [accident] reconstruction   shall, at least 48 hours before temporary speed limit signs are   posted for the vehicular crash [accident] reconstruction site,   provide to the Texas Department of Transportation notice that   includes:                (1)  the date and time of the crash [accident]   reconstruction;                (2)  the location of the crash [accident]   reconstruction site;                (3)  the entities involved at the site;                (4)  the general size of the area affected by the site;   and                (5)  an estimate of how long the site will be used for   the crash [accident] reconstruction.          (e)  A temporary speed limit established under this section:                (1)  is a prima facie prudent and reasonable speed   limit enforceable in the same manner as other prima facie speed   limits established under other provisions of this subchapter; and                (2)  supersedes any other established speed limit that   would permit a person to operate a motor vehicle at a higher rate of   speed.          (f)  A designated official who temporarily lowers a speed   limit shall:                (1)  place and maintain at the vehicular crash   [accident] reconstruction site temporary speed limit signs that   conform to the manual and specifications adopted under Section   544.001;                (2)  temporarily conceal all other signs on the highway   segment affected by the vehicular crash [accident] reconstruction   site that give notice of a speed limit that would permit a person to   operate a motor vehicle at a higher rate of speed; and                (3)  remove all temporary speed limit signs placed   under Subdivision (1) and concealments of other signs placed under   Subdivision (2) when the official finds that the vehicular crash   [accident] reconstruction is complete and all equipment is removed   from the vehicular crash [accident] reconstruction site.          (g)  A temporary speed limit established under this section   is effective when a designated official places temporary speed   limit signs and conceals other signs that would permit a person to   operate a motor vehicle at a higher rate of speed as required under   Subsection (f).          (h)  A temporary speed limit established under this section   is effective until the designated official under Subsection (a) or   (b):                (1)  finds that the vehicular crash [accident]   reconstruction is complete; and                (2)  removes all temporary signs, concealments, and   equipment used at the vehicular crash [accident] reconstruction   site.          (i)  If a designated official does not comply with the   requirements of Subsection (f)(3) for a vehicular crash [accident]   reconstruction on a state highway associated with the   reconstruction, the Texas Department of Transportation may remove   signs and concealments.          SECTION 40.  Section 545.4121(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  It is a defense to prosecution of an offense to which   this section applies that the defendant provides to the court   evidence satisfactory to the court that:                (1)  at the time of the offense:                      (A)  the defendant was not arrested or issued a   citation for violation of any other offense;                      (B)  the defendant did not possess a child   passenger safety seat system in the vehicle; and                      (C)  the vehicle the defendant was operating was   not involved in a crash [an accident]; and                (2)  subsequent to the time of the offense,   the  defendant obtained an appropriate child passenger safety seat   system for each child required to be secured in a child passenger   safety seat system under Section 545.412(a).          SECTION 41.  Section 545.420(i), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (i)  This subsection applies only to a motor vehicle used in   the commission of an offense under this section that results in a   crash [an accident] with property damage or personal injury.  A   peace officer shall require the vehicle to be taken to the nearest   licensed vehicle storage facility unless the vehicle is seized as   evidence, in which case the vehicle may be taken to a storage   facility as designated by the peace officer   involved.  Notwithstanding Article 18.23, Code of Criminal   Procedure, the owner of a motor vehicle that is removed or stored   under this subsection is liable for all removal and storage fees   incurred and is not entitled to take possession of the vehicle until   those fees are paid.          SECTION 42.  The heading to Section 545.428, Transportation   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 545.428.  MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH [ACCIDENT] INVOLVING   PEDESTRIAN OR OTHER VULNERABLE ROAD USER WITHIN AREA OF CROSSWALK;   OFFENSE.          SECTION 43.  Section 545.455, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 545.455.  DUTIES FOLLOWING CRASH [ACCIDENT] INVOLVING   AUTOMATED MOTOR VEHICLE.  In the event of a crash [an accident]   involving an automated motor vehicle, the automated motor vehicle   or any human operator of the automated motor vehicle shall comply   with Chapter 550.          SECTION 44.  Section 547.305(d), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (d)  A vehicle may be equipped with alternately flashing   lighting equipment described by Section 547.701 or 547.702 only if   the vehicle is:                (1)  a school bus;                (2)  an authorized emergency vehicle;                (3)  a church bus that has the words "church bus"   printed on the front and rear of the bus so as to be clearly   discernable to other vehicle operators;                (4)  a tow truck while under the direction of a law   enforcement officer at the scene of a crash [an accident] or while   hooking up to a disabled vehicle on a roadway; or                (5)  a tow truck with a mounted light bar which has turn   signals and stop lamps in addition to those required by Sections   547.322, 547.323, and 547.324, Transportation Code.          SECTION 45.  Section 547.615(a)(2), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (2)  "Recording device" means a feature that is   installed by the manufacturer in a motor vehicle and that does any   of the following for the purpose of retrieving information from the   vehicle after a crash [an accident] in which the vehicle has been   involved:                      (A)  records the speed and direction the vehicle   is traveling;                      (B)  records vehicle location data;                      (C)  records steering performance;                      (D)  records brake performance, including   information on whether brakes were applied before a crash [an   accident];                      (E)  records the driver's safety belt status; or                      (F)  transmits information concerning the crash   [accident] to a central communications system when the crash   [accident] occurs.          SECTION 46.  Section 547.615(c), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c)  Information recorded or transmitted by a recording   device may not be retrieved by a person other than the owner of the   motor vehicle in which the recording device is installed except:                (1)  on court order;                (2)  with the consent of the owner for any purpose,   including for the purpose of diagnosing, servicing, or repairing   the motor vehicle;                (3)  for the purpose of improving motor vehicle safety,   including for medical research on the human body's reaction to   motor vehicle crashes [accidents], if the identity of the owner or   driver of the vehicle is not disclosed in connection with the   retrieved information; or                (4)  for the purpose of determining the need for or   facilitating emergency medical response in the event of a motor   vehicle crash [accident].          SECTION 47.  Section 548.053(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  A vehicle that is inspected and is subsequently involved   in a crash or other incident [an accident] affecting the safe   operation of an item of inspection must be reinspected following   repair. The reinspection must be at an inspection station and shall   be treated and charged as an initial inspection.          SECTION 48.  The heading to Chapter 550, Transportation   Code, is amended to read as follows:   CHAPTER 550.  CRASHES [ACCIDENTS] AND CRASH [ACCIDENT] REPORTS          SECTION 49.  The heading to Subchapter B, Chapter 550,   Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER B.  DUTIES FOLLOWING CRASH [ACCIDENT]          SECTION 50.  Section 550.021, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 550.021.  CRASH [ACCIDENT] INVOLVING PERSONAL INJURY OR   DEATH. (a)  The operator of a vehicle involved in a crash [an   accident] that results or is reasonably likely to result in injury   to or death of a person shall:                (1)  immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the   crash [accident] or as close to the scene as possible;                (2)  immediately return to the scene of the crash   [accident] if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the crash   [accident];                (3)  immediately determine whether a person is involved   in the crash [accident], and if a person is involved in the crash   [accident], whether that person requires aid; and                (4)  remain at the scene of the crash [accident] until   the operator complies with the requirements of Section 550.023.          (b)  An operator of a vehicle required to stop the vehicle by   Subsection (a) shall do so without obstructing traffic more than is   necessary.          (c)  A person commits an offense if the person does not stop   or does not comply with the requirements of this section.  An   offense under this section:                (1)  involving a crash [an accident] resulting in:                      (A)  death of a person is a felony of the second   degree; or                      (B)  serious bodily injury, as defined by Section   1.07, Penal Code, to a person is a felony of the third degree; and                (2)  involving a crash [an accident] resulting in   injury to which Subdivision (1) does not apply is punishable by:                      (A)  imprisonment in the Texas Department of   Criminal Justice for not more than five years or confinement in the   county jail for not more than one year;                      (B)  a fine not to exceed $5,000; or                      (C)  both the fine and the imprisonment or   confinement.          SECTION 51.  The heading to Section 550.022, Transportation   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 550.022.  CRASH [ACCIDENT] INVOLVING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.          SECTION 52.  Sections 550.022(a) and (b), Transportation   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), the operator of a   vehicle involved in a crash [an accident] resulting only in damage   to a vehicle that is driven or attended by a person shall:                (1)  immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the   crash [accident] or as close as possible to the scene of the crash   [accident] without obstructing traffic more than is necessary;                (2)  immediately return to the scene of the crash   [accident] if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the crash   [accident]; and                (3)  remain at the scene of the crash [accident] until   the operator complies with the requirements of Section 550.023.          (b)  If a crash [an accident] occurs on a main lane, ramp,   shoulder, median, or adjacent area of a freeway in a metropolitan   area and each vehicle involved can be normally and safely driven,   each operator shall move the operator's vehicle as soon as possible   to a designated crash [accident] investigation site, if available,   a location on the frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street,   or other suitable location to complete the requirements of Section   550.023 and minimize interference with freeway traffic.          SECTION 53.  Section 550.023, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 550.023.  DUTY TO GIVE INFORMATION AND RENDER AID. The   operator of a vehicle involved in a crash [an accident] resulting in   the injury or death of a person or damage to a vehicle that is driven   or attended by a person shall:                (1)  give the operator's name and address, the   registration number of the vehicle the operator was driving, and   the name of the operator's motor vehicle liability insurer to any   person injured or the operator or occupant of or person attending a   vehicle involved in the collision;                (2)  if requested and available, show the operator's   driver's license to a person described by Subdivision (1); and                (3)  provide any person injured in the crash [accident]   reasonable assistance, including transporting or making   arrangements for transporting the person to a physician or hospital   for medical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is   necessary, or if the injured person requests the transportation.          SECTION 54.  Section 550.025(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The operator of a vehicle involved in a crash [an   accident] resulting only in damage to a structure adjacent to a   highway or a fixture or landscaping legally on or adjacent to a   highway shall:                (1)  take reasonable steps to locate and notify the   owner or person in charge of the property of the crash [accident]   and of the operator's name and address and the registration number   of the vehicle the operator was driving; and                (2)  if requested and available, show the operator's   driver's license to the owner or person in charge of the property.          SECTION 55.  Section 550.026, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 550.026.  IMMEDIATE REPORT OF CRASH [ACCIDENT]. (a)   The operator of a vehicle involved in a crash [an accident]   resulting in injury to or death of a person or damage to a vehicle to   the extent that it cannot be normally and safely driven shall   immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of   the crash [accident] to the:                (1)  local police department if the crash [accident]   occurred in a municipality;                (2)  local police department or the sheriff's office if   the crash [accident] occurred not more than 100 feet outside the   limits of a municipality; or                (3)  sheriff's office or the nearest office of the   department if the crash [accident] is not required to be reported   under Subdivision (1) or (2).          (b)  If a section of road is within 100 feet of the limits of   more than one municipality, the municipalities may agree regarding   the maintenance of reports made under Subsection (a)(2). A county   may agree with municipalities in the county regarding the   maintenance of reports made under Subsection (a)(2). An agreement   under this subsection does not affect the duty to report a crash [an   accident] under Subsection (a).          SECTION 56.  The heading to Subchapter C, Chapter 550,   Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER C.  INVESTIGATION OF CRASH [ACCIDENT]          SECTION 57.  Section 550.041(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  A peace officer who is notified of a motor vehicle crash   [accident] resulting in injury to or death of a person or property   damage to an apparent extent of at least $1,000 may investigate the   crash [accident] and file justifiable charges relating to the crash   [accident] without regard to whether the crash [accident] occurred   on property to which this chapter applies.          SECTION 58.  The heading to Subchapter D, Chapter 550,   Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER D.  WRITTEN CRASH [ACCIDENT] REPORT          SECTION 59.  Section 550.062, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 550.062.  OFFICER'S CRASH [ACCIDENT] REPORT. (a) A law   enforcement officer who in the regular course of duty investigates   a motor vehicle crash [accident] shall make a written report of the   crash [accident] if the crash [accident] resulted in injury to or   the death of a person or damage to the property of any one person to   the apparent extent of $1,000 or more.          (b)  The report required by Subsection (a) must be filed   electronically with the department not later than the 10th day   after the date of the crash [accident].          (b-1)  If the motor vehicle crash [accident] involved a   combination of vehicles operating under a permit issued under   Section 623.402, the report required by Subsection (a) must include   the weight and the number of axles of the vehicle combination.          (c)  This section applies without regard to whether the   officer investigates the crash [accident] at the location of the   crash [accident] and immediately after the crash [accident] or   afterwards by interviewing those involved in the crash [accident]   or witnesses to the crash [accident].          SECTION 60.  Section 550.063, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 550.063.  REPORT ON APPROPRIATE FORM. The form of all   written crash [accident] reports must be approved by the department   and the Department of Public Safety. A person who is required to   file a written crash [accident] report shall report on the   appropriate form and shall disclose all information required by the   form unless the information is not available.          SECTION 61.  Section 550.064, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 550.064.  CRASH [ACCIDENT] REPORT FORMS. (a) The   department shall prepare and when requested supply to police   departments, coroners, sheriffs, garages, and other suitable   agencies or individuals the crash [accident] report forms   appropriate for the persons required to make a report and   appropriate for the purposes to be served by those reports.          (b)  A crash [An accident] report form prepared by the   department must:                (1)  require sufficiently detailed information to   disclose the cause and conditions of and the persons and vehicles   involved in a crash [an accident] if the form is for the report to be   made by a person investigating the crash [accident];                (2)  include a way to designate and identify a peace   officer, firefighter, or emergency medical services employee who is   involved in a crash [an accident] while driving a law enforcement   vehicle, fire department vehicle, or emergency medical services   vehicle while performing the person's duties;                (3)  require a statement by a person described by   Subdivision (2) as to the nature of the crash [accident]; and                (4)  include a way to designate whether an individual   involved in a crash [an accident] wants to be contacted by a person   seeking to obtain employment as a professional described by Section   38.01(12), Penal Code.          SECTION 62.  Section 550.065, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 550.065.  RELEASE OF CERTAIN INFORMATION RELATING TO   CRASHES [ACCIDENTS]. (a)  This section applies only to the   following information that is held by the department or another   governmental entity:                (1)  a written report of a crash [an accident] required   under:                      (A)  Section 550.062; or                      (B)  former Section 550.061 or 601.004 before   September 1, 2017; or                (2)  crash [accident] report information compiled   under Section 201.806.          (b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), (c-1), or (e), the   information is privileged and for the confidential use of:                (1)  the department; and                (2)  an agency of the United States, this state, or a   local government of this state that has use for the information for   crash [accident] prevention purposes.          (c)  On written request and payment of any required fee, the   department or the governmental entity shall release the information   to:                (1)  an entity described by Subsection (b);                (2)  the law enforcement agency that employs the peace   officer who investigated the crash [accident] and sent the   information to the department, including an agent of the law   enforcement agency authorized by contract to obtain the   information;                (3)  the court in which a case involving a person   involved in the crash [accident] is pending if the report is   subpoenaed; or                (4)  any person directly concerned in the crash   [accident] or having a proper interest therein, including:                      (A)  any person involved in the crash [accident];                      (B)  the authorized representative of any person   involved in the crash [accident];                      (C)  a driver involved in the crash [accident];                      (D)  an employer, parent, or legal guardian of a   driver involved in the crash [accident];                      (E)  the owner of a vehicle or property damaged in   the crash [accident];                      (F)  a person who has established financial   responsibility for a vehicle involved in the crash [accident] in a   manner described by Section 601.051, including a policyholder of a   motor vehicle liability insurance policy covering the vehicle;                      (G)  an insurance company that issued an insurance   policy covering a vehicle involved in the crash [accident];                      (H)  an insurance company that issued a policy   covering any person involved in the crash [accident];                      (I)  a person under contract to provide claims or   underwriting information to a person described by Paragraph (F),   (G), or (H);                      (J)  a radio or television station that holds a   license issued by the Federal Communications Commission;                      (K)  a newspaper that is:                            (i)  a free newspaper of general circulation   or qualified under Section 2051.044, Government Code, to publish   legal notices;                            (ii)  published at least once a week; and                            (iii)  available and of interest to the   general public in connection with the dissemination of news; or                      (L)  any person who may sue because of death   resulting from the crash [accident].          (c-1)  On receiving information to which this section   applies, the department or the governmental entity that receives   the information shall create a redacted crash [accident] report   that may be requested by any person. The redacted crash [accident]   report may not include the items of information described by   Subsection (f)(2). A report released under this subsection is not   considered personal information under Section 730.003.          (d)  The fee for a copy of the crash [accident] report is   $6.  The copy may be certified by the department or the   governmental entity for an additional fee of $2.  The department or   the governmental entity may issue a certification that no report or   information is on file for a fee of $6.          (e)  In addition to the information required to be released   under Subsection (c), the department may release:                (1)  crash [accident] report information compiled   under Section 201.806; or                (2)  a vehicle identification number and specific crash   [accident] information relating to that vehicle.          (f)  The department when releasing information under   Subsection (c-1) or (e):                (1)  may not release personal information, as defined   by Section 730.003; and                (2)  shall withhold or redact the following items:                      (A)  the first, middle, and last name of any   person listed in a crash [an accident] report, including a vehicle   driver, occupant, owner, or lessee, a bicyclist, a pedestrian, or a   property owner;                      (B)  the number of any driver's license,   commercial driver's license, or personal identification   certificate issued to any person listed in a crash [an accident]   report;                      (C)  the date of birth, other than the year, of any   person listed in a crash [an accident] report;                      (D)  the address, other than zip code, and   telephone number of any person listed in a crash [an accident]   report;                      (E)  the license plate number of any vehicle   listed in a crash [an accident] report;                      (F)  the name of any insurance company listed as a   provider of financial responsibility for a vehicle listed in a   crash [an accident] report;                      (G)  the number of any insurance policy issued by   an insurance company listed as a provider of financial   responsibility;                      (H)  the date the peace officer who investigated   the crash [accident] was notified of the crash [accident];                      (I)  the date the investigating peace officer   arrived at the crash [accident] site;                      (J)  the badge number or identification number of   the investigating officer;                      (K)  the date on which any person who died as a   result of the crash [accident] died;                      (L)  the date of any commercial motor vehicle   report; and                      (M)  the place where any person injured or killed   in a crash [an accident] was taken and the person or entity that   provided the transportation.          (g)  The amount that may be charged for information provided   under Subsection (e) shall be calculated in the manner specified by   Chapter 552, Government Code, for public information provided by a   governmental body under that chapter.          SECTION 63.  Section 550.066, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 550.066.  ADMISSIBILITY OF CERTAIN CRASH [ACCIDENT]   REPORT INFORMATION. An individual's response to the information   requested on a crash [an accident] report form as provided by   Section 550.064(b)(4) is not admissible evidence in a civil trial.          SECTION 64.  Section 550.067, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 550.067.  MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE CRASH   [ACCIDENT] REPORTS. (a) A municipality by ordinance may require   the operator of a vehicle involved in a crash [an accident] to file   with a designated municipal department:                (1)  a report of the crash [accident], if the crash   [accident] results in injury to or the death of a person or the   apparent total property damage is $25 or more; or                (2)  a copy of a report required by this chapter to be   filed with the department.          (b)  A report filed under Subsection (a) is for the   confidential use of the municipal department and subject to the   provisions of Section 550.065.          (c)  A municipality by ordinance may require the person in   charge of a garage or repair shop where a motor vehicle is brought   if the vehicle shows evidence of having been involved in a crash [an   accident] described by Section 550.062(a) or shows evidence of   having been struck by a bullet to report to a department of the   municipality within 24 hours after the garage or repair shop   receives the motor vehicle, giving the engine number, registration   number, and the name and address of the owner or operator of the   vehicle.          SECTION 65.  Section 550.068, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 550.068.  CHANGING CRASH [ACCIDENT] REPORT.   (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), a change in or a   modification of a written report of a motor vehicle crash   [accident] prepared by a peace officer that alters a material fact   in the report may be made only by the peace officer who prepared the   report.          (b)  A change in or a modification of the written report of   the crash [accident] may be made by a person other than the peace   officer if:                (1)  the change is made by a written supplement to the   report; and                (2)  the written supplement clearly indicates the name   of the person who originated the change.          SECTION 66.  Sections 550.081(b) and (c), Transportation   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (b)  A medical examiner or justice of the peace acting as   coroner in a county that does not have a medical examiner's office   or that is not part of a medical examiner's district shall submit a   report in writing to the department of the death of a person that   was the result of a traffic crash [accident] or bridge collapse:                (1)  to which this chapter applies; and                (2)  that occurred within the jurisdiction of the   medical examiner or justice of the peace in the preceding calendar   quarter.          (c)  The report must be submitted before the 11th day of each   calendar month and include:                (1)  the name of the deceased and a statement as to   whether the deceased was:                      (A)  the operator of or a passenger in a vehicle   [involved in the accident]; or                      (B)  a pedestrian or other nonoccupant of a   vehicle;                (2)  the date of the crash [accident] and the name of   the county in which the crash [accident] occurred, and, if a bridge   collapse, the location of the bridge in that county;                (3)  the name of any laboratory, medical examiner's   office, or other facility that conducted toxicological testing   relative to the deceased; and                (4)  the results of any toxicological testing that was   conducted.          SECTION 67.  Section 601.002(3), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (3)  "Financial responsibility" means the ability to   respond in damages for liability for a crash [an accident] that:                      (A)  occurs after the effective date of the   document evidencing the establishment of the financial   responsibility; and                      (B)  arises out of the ownership, maintenance, or   use of a motor vehicle.          SECTION 68.  Section 601.003(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  For purposes of this chapter, a judgment is considered   to be satisfied as to the appropriate part of the judgment set out   by this subsection if:                (1)  the total amount credited on one or more judgments   for bodily injury to or death of one person resulting from one crash   [accident] equals or exceeds the amount required under Section   601.072(a-1)[(a)](1) to establish financial responsibility;                (2)  the total amount credited on one or more judgments   for bodily injury to or death of two or more persons resulting from   one crash [accident] equals or exceeds the amount required under   Section 601.072(a-1)[(a)](2) to establish financial   responsibility; or                (3)  the total amount credited on one or more judgments   for damage to or destruction of property of another resulting from   one crash [accident] equals or exceeds the amount required under   Section 601.072(a-1)[(a)](3) to establish financial   responsibility.          SECTION 69.  Section 601.006, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 601.006.  APPLICABILITY TO CERTAIN OWNERS AND   OPERATORS. If an owner or operator of a motor vehicle involved in a   crash [an accident] in this state does not have a driver's license   or vehicle registration or is a nonresident, the person may not be   issued a driver's license or registration until the person has   complied with this chapter to the same extent that would be   necessary if, at the time of the crash [accident], the person had a   driver's license or registration.          SECTION 70.  Sections 601.009(b) and (c), Transportation   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the department   shall suspend the resident's driver's license and vehicle   registrations if the evidence shows that the resident's operating   privilege was suspended in the other state or the province for   violation of a financial responsibility law under circumstances   that would require the department to suspend a nonresident's   operating privilege had the crash [accident] occurred in this   state.          (c)  The department may not suspend the resident's driver's   license and registration if the alleged failure to comply is based   on the failure of the resident's insurance company or surety   company to:                (1)  obtain authorization to write motor vehicle   liability insurance in the other state or the province; or                (2)  execute a power of attorney directing the   appropriate official in the other state or the province to accept on   the company's behalf service of notice or process in an action under   the policy arising out of a crash [an accident].          SECTION 71.  Section 601.053(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  As a condition of operating in this state a motor   vehicle to which Section 601.051 applies, the operator of the   vehicle on request shall provide to a peace officer, as defined by   Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, or a person involved in a   crash [an accident] with the operator evidence of financial   responsibility by exhibiting:                (1)  a motor vehicle liability insurance policy   covering the vehicle that satisfies Subchapter D or a photocopy of   the policy;                (2)  a standard proof of motor vehicle liability   insurance form prescribed by the Texas Department of Insurance   under Section 601.081 and issued by a liability insurer for the   motor vehicle;                (2-a)  an image displayed on a wireless communication   device that includes the information required by Section 601.081 as   provided by a liability insurer;                (3)  an insurance binder that confirms the operator is   in compliance with this chapter;                (4)  a surety bond certificate issued under Section   601.121;                (5)  a certificate of a deposit with the comptroller   covering the vehicle issued under Section 601.122;                (6)  a copy of a certificate of a deposit with the   appropriate county judge covering the vehicle issued under Section   601.123; or                (7)  a certificate of self-insurance covering the   vehicle issued under Section 601.124 or a photocopy of the   certificate.          SECTION 72.  Section 601.056(e), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (e)  The department may not act under Subsection (a)(1) or   (2) if:                (1)  an action for damages on a liability covered by the   evidence of financial responsibility is pending;                (2)  a judgment for damages on a liability covered by   the evidence of financial responsibility is not satisfied; or                (3)  the person for whom the bond has been filed or for   whom money or securities have been deposited has, within the two   years preceding the request for cancellation or return of the   evidence of financial responsibility, been involved as an operator   or owner in a motor vehicle crash [accident] resulting in bodily   injury to, or property damage to the property of, another person.          SECTION 73.  Sections 601.072(a-1) and (b), Transportation   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a-1)  Effective January 1, 2011, the minimum amounts of   motor vehicle liability insurance coverage required to establish   financial responsibility under this chapter are:                (1)  $30,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person   in one crash [accident];                (2)  $60,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or   more persons in one crash [accident], subject to the amount   provided by Subdivision (1) for bodily injury to or death of one of   the persons; and                (3)  $25,000 for damage to or destruction of property   of others in one crash [accident].          (b)  The coverage required under this section may exclude,   with respect to one crash [accident]:                (1)  the first $250 of liability for bodily injury to or   death of one person;                (2)  the first $500 of liability for bodily injury to or   death of two or more persons, subject to the amount provided by   Subdivision (1) for bodily injury to or death of one of the persons;   and                (3)  the first $250 of liability for property damage to   or destruction of property of others.          SECTION 74.  Section 601.084(c), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c)  The department shall accept the certificate of an   insurer not authorized to transact business in this state if the   certificate otherwise complies with this chapter and the insurance   company:                (1)  executes a power of attorney authorizing the   department to accept on its behalf service of notice or process in   an action arising out of a motor vehicle crash [accident] in this   state; and                (2)  agrees in writing that its policies will be   treated as conforming to the laws of this state relating to the   terms of a motor vehicle liability insurance policy.          SECTION 75.  Section 601.086, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 601.086.  RESPONSE OF INSURANCE COMPANY IF POLICY NOT   IN EFFECT. An insurance company that is notified by the department   of a crash [an accident] in connection with which an owner or   operator has reported a motor vehicle liability insurance policy   with the company shall advise the department if a policy is not in   effect as reported.          SECTION 76.  Section 601.124(c), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (c)  The self-insurer must supplement the certificate with   an agreement that, for crashes [accidents] occurring while the   certificate is in force, the self-insurer will pay the same   judgments in the same amounts as an insurer would be obligated to   pay under an owner's motor vehicle liability insurance policy   issued to the self-insurer if such policy were issued.          SECTION 77.  The heading to Subchapter F, Chapter 601,   Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER F.  SECURITY FOLLOWING CRASH [ACCIDENT]          SECTION 78.  Section 601.151, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 601.151.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. (a) This   subchapter applies only to a motor vehicle crash [accident] in this   state that results in bodily injury or death or in damage to the   property of one person of at least $1,000.          (b)  This subchapter does not apply to:                (1)  an owner or operator who has in effect at the time   of the crash [accident] a motor vehicle liability insurance policy   that covers the motor vehicle involved in the crash [accident];                (2)  an operator who is not the owner of the motor   vehicle, if a motor vehicle liability insurance policy or bond for   the operation of a motor vehicle the person does not own is in   effect at the time of the crash [accident];                (3)  an owner or operator whose liability for damages   resulting from the crash [accident], in the judgment of the   department, is covered by another liability insurance policy or   bond;                (4)  an owner or operator, if there was not bodily   injury to or damage of the property of a person other than the owner   or operator;                (5)  the owner or operator of a motor vehicle that at   the time of the crash [accident] was legally parked or legally   stopped at a traffic signal;                (6)  the owner of a motor vehicle that at the time of   the crash [accident] was being operated without the owner's express   or implied permission or was parked by a person who had been   operating the vehicle without that permission; or                (7)  a person qualifying as a self-insurer under   Section 601.124 or a person operating a motor vehicle for a   self-insurer.          SECTION 79.  Section 601.152(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  Subject to Section 601.153, the department shall   suspend the driver's license and vehicle registrations of the owner   and operator of a motor vehicle if:                (1)  the vehicle is involved in any manner in a crash   [an accident]; and                (2)  the department finds that there is a reasonable   probability that a judgment will be rendered against the person as a   result of the crash [accident].          SECTION 80.  Sections 601.154(a), (c), and (d),   Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  Subject to Subsection (d), if the department finds that   there is a reasonable probability that a judgment will be rendered   against an owner or operator as a result of a crash [an accident],   the department shall determine the amount of security sufficient to   satisfy any judgment for damages resulting from the crash   [accident] that may be recovered from the owner or operator.          (c)  In determining whether there is a reasonable   probability that a judgment will be rendered against the person as a   result of a crash [an accident] and the amount of security that is   sufficient under Subsection (a), the department may consider:                (1)  a report of an investigating officer; and                (2)  an affidavit of a person who has knowledge of the   facts.          (d)  The department shall make the determination required by   Subsection (a) only if the department has not received, before the   21st day after the date the department receives a report of a motor   vehicle crash [accident], satisfactory evidence that the owner or   operator has:                (1)  been released from liability;                (2)  been finally adjudicated not to be liable; or                (3)  executed an acknowledged written agreement   providing for the payment of an agreed amount in installments for   all claims for injuries or damages resulting from the crash   [accident].          SECTION 81.  Section 601.155(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  The notice must state that:                (1)  the person's driver's license and vehicle   registration or the person's nonresident's operating privilege will   be suspended unless the person, not later than the 20th day after   the date the notice was personally served or sent, establishes   that:                      (A)  this subchapter does not apply to the person,   and the person has previously provided this information to the   department; or                      (B)  there is no reasonable probability that a   judgment will be rendered against the person as a result of the   crash [accident]; and                (2)  the person is entitled to a hearing under this   subchapter if a written request for a hearing is delivered or mailed   to the department not later than the 20th day after the date the   notice was personally served or sent.          SECTION 82.  Section 601.157(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  The judge at the hearing shall determine:                (1)  whether there is a reasonable probability that a   judgment will be rendered against the person requesting the hearing   as a result of the crash [accident]; and                (2)  if there is a reasonable probability that a   judgment will be rendered, the amount of security sufficient to   satisfy any judgment for damages resulting from the crash   [accident].          SECTION 83.  Section 601.158(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  If, after a hearing under this subchapter, the judge   determines that there is a reasonable probability that a judgment   will be rendered against the person requesting the hearing as a   result of the crash [accident], the person may appeal the   determination.          SECTION 84.  Section 601.162(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The suspension of a driver's license, vehicle   registration, or nonresident's operating privilege under this   subchapter remains in effect, the license, registration, or   privilege may not be renewed, and a license or vehicle registration   may not be issued to the holder of the suspended license,   registration, or privilege, until:                (1)  the date the person, or a person acting on the   person's behalf, deposits security and files evidence of financial   responsibility under Section 601.153;                (2)  the second anniversary of the date of the crash   [accident], if evidence satisfactory to the department is filed   with the department that, during the two-year period, an action for   damages arising out of the crash [accident] has not been   instituted; or                (3)  the date evidence satisfactory to the department   is filed with the department of:                      (A)  a release from liability for claims arising   out of the crash [accident];                      (B)  a final adjudication that the person is not   liable for claims arising out of the crash [accident]; or                      (C)  an installment agreement described by   Section 601.154(d)(3).          SECTION 85.  Section 601.163(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  A person depositing security shall specify in writing   the person on whose behalf the deposit is made. A single deposit of   security is applicable only on behalf of persons required to   provide security because of the same crash [accident] and the same   motor vehicle.          SECTION 86.  Section 601.164(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The department may reduce the amount of security ordered   in a case within six months after the date of the crash [accident]   if, in the department's judgment, the amount is excessive.          SECTION 87.  Section 601.166, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 601.166.  PAYMENT OF CASH SECURITY. (a) Cash security   may be applied only to the payment of:                (1)  a judgment rendered against the person on whose   behalf the deposit is made for damages arising out of the crash   [accident]; or                (2)  a settlement, agreed to by the depositor, of a   claim arising out of the crash [accident].          (b)  For payment under Subsection (a), the action under which   the judgment was rendered must have been instituted before the   second anniversary of the later of:                (1)  the date of the crash [accident]; or                (2)  the date of the deposit, in the case of a deposit   of security under Section 601.162(b).          SECTION 88.  Section 601.167, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 601.167.  RETURN OF CASH SECURITY. Cash security or any   balance of the security shall be returned to the depositor or the   depositor's personal representative when:                (1)  evidence satisfactory to the department is filed   with the department that there has been:                      (A)  a release of liability;                      (B)  a final adjudication that the person on whose   behalf the deposit is made is not liable; or                      (C)  an agreement as described by Section   601.154(d)(3);                (2)  reasonable evidence is provided to the department   after the second anniversary of the date of the crash [accident]   that no action arising out of the crash [accident] is pending and no   judgment rendered in such an action is unpaid; or                (3)  in the case of a deposit of security under Section   601.162(b), reasonable evidence is provided to the department after   the second anniversary of the date of the deposit that no action   arising out of the crash [accident] is pending and no unpaid   judgment rendered in such an action is unpaid.          SECTION 89.  Section 601.168(b), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  A bond or motor vehicle liability insurance policy   issued by a surety company or insurance company that is not   authorized to do business in this state is effective under this   subchapter only if:                (1)  the bond or policy is issued for a motor vehicle   that:                      (A)  is not registered in this state; or                      (B)  was not registered in this state on the   effective date of the most recent renewal of the policy; and                (2)  the surety company or insurance company executes a   power of attorney authorizing the department to accept on the   company's behalf service of notice or process in an action arising   out of the crash [accident] on the bond or policy.          SECTION 90.  Section 601.169, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 601.169.  REASONABLE PROBABILITY NOT ADMISSIBLE IN   CIVIL SUIT. A determination under Section 601.154 or 601.157 that   there is a reasonable probability that a judgment will be rendered   against a person as a result of a crash [an accident] may not be   introduced in evidence in a suit for damages arising from that crash   [accident].          SECTION 91.  Section 601.291, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 601.291.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter   applies only to the owner or operator of a motor vehicle that:                (1)  is not registered in this state; and                (2)  is involved in a motor vehicle crash [accident] in   this state that results in bodily injury, death, or damage to the   property of one person to an apparent extent of at least $500.          SECTION 92.  Section 601.292, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 601.292.  DUTY TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL   RESPONSIBILITY TO INVESTIGATING OFFICER. A person to whom this   subchapter applies shall provide evidence of financial   responsibility to a law enforcement officer of this state or a   political subdivision of this state who is conducting an   investigation of the crash [accident].          SECTION 93.  Sections 601.293(b), (c), and (d),   Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows:          (b)  The magistrate shall conduct an inquiry on the issues of   negligence and liability for bodily injury, death, or property   damage sustained in the crash [accident].          (c)  If the magistrate determines that there is a reasonable   possibility that a judgment will be rendered against the person for   bodily injury, death, or property damage sustained in the crash   [accident], the magistrate shall order the person to provide:                (1)  evidence of financial responsibility for the   bodily injury, death, or property damage; or                (2)  evidence that the person is exempt from the   requirement of Section 601.051.          (d)  A determination of negligence or liability under   Subsection (c) does not act as collateral estoppel on an issue in a   criminal or civil adjudication arising from the crash [accident].          SECTION 94.  Section 601.294, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 601.294.  IMPOUNDMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE. If a person to   whom this subchapter applies does not provide evidence required   under Section 601.293(c), the magistrate shall enter an order   directing the sheriff of the county or the chief of police of the   municipality to impound the motor vehicle owned or operated by the   person that was involved in the crash [accident].          SECTION 95.  Section 601.296(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The department shall issue a certificate of release of   an impounded motor vehicle to the owner, operator, or person   authorized by the owner on submission to the department of:                (1)  evidence of financial responsibility under   Section 601.053 that shows that at the time of the crash [accident]   the vehicle was in compliance with Section 601.051 or was exempt   from the requirement of Section 601.051;                (2)  a release executed by each person damaged in the   crash [accident] other than the operator of the vehicle for which   the certificate of release is requested; or                (3)  security in a form and amount determined by the   department to secure the payment of damages for which the operator   may be liable.          SECTION 96.  Section 601.333, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 601.333.  RELIEF FROM SUSPENSION: MOTOR VEHICLE   LIABILITY INSURANCE. (a) A person whose driver's license, vehicle   registrations, or nonresident's operating privilege has been   suspended or is subject to suspension under Section 601.332 may   file with the department:                (1)  evidence that there was a motor vehicle liability   insurance policy covering the motor vehicle involved in the crash   [accident] out of which the judgment arose in effect at the time of   the crash [accident];                (2)  an affidavit stating that the person was insured   at the time of the crash [accident], that the insurance company is   liable to pay the judgment, and the reason, if known, that the   insurance company has not paid the judgment;                (3)  the original policy of insurance or a certified   copy of the policy, if available; and                (4)  any other documents required by the department to   show that the loss, injury, or damage for which the judgment was   rendered was covered by the insurance.          (b)  The department may not suspend the driver's license,   vehicle registrations, or nonresident's operating privilege, and   shall reinstate a license, registration, or privilege that has been   suspended, if it is satisfied from the documents filed under   Subsection (a) that:                (1)  there was a motor vehicle liability insurance   policy in effect for the vehicle at the time of the crash   [accident];                (2)  the insurance company that issued the policy was   authorized to issue the policy in this state at the time the policy   was issued; and                (3)  the insurance company is liable to pay the   judgment to the extent and for the amounts required by this chapter.          SECTION 97.  Section 622.954(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  A permit is not required to exceed the weight   limitations of Section 621.101 by a combination of a tow truck and   another vehicle or vehicle combination if:                (1)  the nature of the service provided by the tow truck   is needed to remove disabled, abandoned, or crash-damaged   [accident-damaged] vehicles; and                (2)  the tow truck is towing the other vehicle or   vehicle combination directly to the nearest authorized place of   repair, terminal, or vehicle storage facility.          SECTION 98.  Section 623.0172(l), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (l)  Beginning in 2022, not later than September 1 of each   even-numbered year, the Texas Department of Transportation shall   conduct a study concerning vehicles operating under a permit issued   under this section and publish the results of the study.  In   conducting the study, the Texas Department of Transportation shall   collect and examine the following information:                (1)  the weight and configuration of vehicles operating   under a permit under this section that are involved in a motor   vehicle crash [accident];                (2)  the types of vehicles operating under a permit   issued under this section;                (3)  traffic volumes and variations of vehicles   operating under a permit issued under this section;                (4)  weigh-in-motion data for highways located in and   around the area described by Subsection (c);                (5)  impacts to state and local bridges, including   long-term bridge performance, for bridges located in and around the   area described by Subsection (c); and                (6)  impacts to state and local roads, including   changes in pavement design standards, construction specification   details, maintenance frequency and types, and properties of   pavement and underlying soils resulting from or necessitated by   vehicles operating under a permit issued under this section.          SECTION 99.  Section 623.410, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 623.410.  STUDY.  Beginning in 2022, not later than   September 1 of each even-numbered year, the Texas Department of   Transportation shall conduct a study concerning vehicles operating   under a permit issued under this subchapter and publish the results   of the study.  In conducting the study, the Texas Department of   Transportation shall collect and examine the following   information:                (1)  the weight and configuration of vehicles operating   under a permit issued under this subchapter that are involved in a   motor vehicle crash [accident];                (2)  the types of vehicles operating under a permit   issued under this subchapter;                (3)  traffic volumes and variations of vehicles   operating under a permit issued under this subchapter;                (4)  weigh-in-motion data for highways and roads   located in and around the area described by Section 623.405(b);                (5)  impacts to state and local bridges, including   long-term bridge performance, for bridges located in and around the   area described by Section 623.405(b); and                (6)  impacts to state and local roads, including   changes in pavement design standards, construction specification   details, maintenance frequency and types, and properties of   pavement and underlying soils resulting from or necessitated by   vehicles operating under a permit issued under this subchapter.          SECTION 100.  Section 643.105, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 643.105.  INSOLVENCY OF INSURER. If an insurer for a   motor carrier becomes insolvent, is placed in receivership, or has   its certificate of authority suspended or revoked and if the   carrier no longer has insurance coverage as required by this   subchapter, the carrier shall file with the department, not later   than the 10th day after the date the coverage lapses:                (1)  evidence of insurance as required by Section   643.103; and                (2)  an affidavit that:                      (A)  indicates that a crash [an accident] from   which the carrier may incur liability did not occur while the   coverage was not in effect; or                      (B)  contains a plan acceptable to the department   indicating how the carrier will satisfy claims of liability against   the carrier for a crash [an accident] that occurred while the   coverage was not in effect.          SECTION 101.  Section 644.151(b-1), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b-1)  An offense under Subsection (a)(3) is a Class A   misdemeanor, except that the offense is:                (1)  a state jail felony if it is shown on the trial of   the offense that at the time of the offense the commercial motor   vehicle was involved in a motor vehicle crash [accident] that   resulted in bodily injury; or                (2)  a felony of the second degree if it is shown on the   trial of the offense that at the time of the offense the commercial   motor vehicle was involved in a motor vehicle crash [accident] that   resulted in the death of a person.          SECTION 102.  Sections 661.003(c) and (i), Transportation   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (c)  It is an exception to the application of Subsection (a)   or (b) that at the time the offense was committed, the person   required to wear protective headgear was at least 21 years old and   had successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and   safety course under Chapter 662 or was covered by a health insurance   plan providing the person with medical benefits for injuries   incurred as a result of a crash [an accident] while operating or   riding on a motorcycle.  A peace officer may not arrest a person or   issue a citation to a person for a violation of Subsection (a) or   (b) if the person required to wear protective headgear is at least   21 years of age and presents evidence sufficient to show that the   person required to wear protective headgear has successfully   completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course or is   covered by a health insurance plan as described by this subsection.          (i)  In this section, "health insurance plan" means an   individual, group, blanket, or franchise insurance policy,   insurance agreement, evidence of coverage, group hospital services   contract, health maintenance organization membership, or employee   benefit plan that provides benefits for health care services or for   medical or surgical expenses incurred as a result of a crash [an   accident].          SECTION 103.  Section 686.001(1), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (1)  "Financial responsibility" means the ability to   respond in damages for liability for a crash [an accident] that:                      (A)  occurs after the effective date of the   document evidencing the establishment of the financial   responsibility; and                      (B)  arises out of the operation of a motor   vehicle by an employee of a valet parking service.          SECTION 104.  Section 686.004(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The minimum amounts of motor vehicle liability   insurance coverage required to establish financial responsibility   under this chapter are:                (1)  $100,000 for bodily injury to or death of one   person in one crash [accident];                (2)  $300,000 for bodily injury to or death of two or   more persons in one crash [accident], subject to the amount   provided by Subdivision (1) for bodily injury to or death of one of   the persons; and                (3)  $50,000 for damage to or destruction of property   of others in one crash [accident].          SECTION 105.  Section 686.005, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 686.005.  COMMON LAW DEFENSES. In an action against an   owner or operator of a valet parking service that has not   established financial responsibility as required by this chapter to   recover damages for personal injuries, death, or property damage   sustained in a motor vehicle crash [accident] arising out of the   operation of a valet parking service, it is not a defense that the   party who brings the action:                (1)  was guilty of contributory negligence; or                (2)  assumed the risk of injury, death, or property   damage.          SECTION 106.  Section 709.002(e), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (e)  Of the money received by the comptroller under this   section, the comptroller shall deposit:                (1)  80 percent to the credit of the undedicated   portion of the general revenue fund, to be used only for criminal   justice purposes; and                (2)  20 percent to the credit of the designated trauma   facility and emergency medical services account under Section   780.003, Health and Safety Code, to be used only for the criminal   justice purpose of funding designated trauma facilities, county and   regional emergency medical services, and trauma care systems that   provide trauma care and emergency medical services to victims of   crashes [accidents] resulting from traffic offenses.          SECTION 107.  Section 723.011(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The governor shall:                (1)  prepare and administer a statewide traffic safety   program designed to reduce traffic crashes [accidents] and the   death, injury, and property damage that result from traffic crashes   [accidents];                (2)  adopt rules for the administration of this   chapter, including rules, procedures, and policy statements   governing grants-in-aid and contractual relations;                (3)  receive on the state's behalf for the   implementation of this chapter money made available by the United   States under federal law; and                (4)  allocate money appropriated by the legislature in   the General Appropriations Act to implement this chapter.          SECTION 108.  Section 723.012, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 723.012.  TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM. The statewide   traffic safety program must include:                (1)  a driver education and training program   administered by the governor through appropriate agencies that   complies with Section 723.013;                (2)  plans for improving:                      (A)  driver licensing;                      (B)  crash [accident] records;                      (C)  vehicle inspection, registration, and   titling;                      (D)  traffic engineering;                      (E)  personnel;                      (F)  police traffic supervision;                      (G)  traffic courts;                      (H)  highway design; and                      (I)  uniform traffic laws; and                (3)  plans for local traffic safety programs by legal   and political subdivisions of this state that may be implemented if   the programs:                      (A)  are approved by the governor; and                      (B)  conform with uniform standards adopted under   the Highway Safety Act of 1966 (23 U.S.C. Sec. 401 et seq.).          SECTION 109.  Section 723.013(a), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The statewide driver education and training program   required by Section 723.012 shall provide for:                (1)  rules that permit controlled innovation and   experimentation and that set minimum standards for:                      (A)  classroom instruction;                      (B)  driving skills training;                      (C)  instructor qualifications;                      (D)  program content; and                      (E)  supplementary materials and equipment;                (2)  a method for continuing evaluation of approved   driver education and training programs to identify the practices   most effective in preventing traffic crashes [accidents]; and                (3)  contracts between the governing bodies of   centrally located independent school districts or other   appropriate public or private agencies and the state to provide   approved driver education and training programs.          SECTION 110.  Sections 724.012(a-1) and (b), Transportation   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a-1)  A peace officer shall require the taking of a specimen   of the person's blood if:                (1)  the officer arrests the person for an offense   under Chapter 49, Penal Code, involving the operation of a motor   vehicle or a watercraft;                (2)  the person refuses the officer's request to submit   to the taking of a specimen voluntarily;                (3)  the person was the operator of a motor vehicle or a   watercraft involved in a crash [an accident] that the officer   reasonably believes occurred as a result of the offense; and                (4)  at the time of the arrest, the officer reasonably   believes that as a direct result of the crash [accident] any   individual has died, will die, or has suffered serious bodily   injury.          (b)  Subject to Subsection (a-1), a peace officer shall   require the taking of a specimen of the person's breath or blood   under any of the following circumstances if the officer arrests the   person for an offense under Chapter 49, Penal Code, involving the   operation of a motor vehicle or a watercraft and the person refuses   the officer's request to submit to the taking of a specimen   voluntarily:                (1)  the person was the operator of a motor vehicle or a   watercraft involved in a crash [an accident] that the officer   reasonably believes occurred as a result of the offense and, at the   time of the arrest, the officer reasonably believes that as a direct   result of the crash [accident]  an individual other than the person   has suffered bodily injury and been transported to a hospital or   other medical facility for medical treatment;                (2)  the offense for which the officer arrests the   person is an offense under Section 49.045, Penal Code; or                (3)  at the time of the arrest, the officer possesses or   receives reliable information from a credible source that the   person:                      (A)  has been previously convicted of or placed on   community supervision for an offense under Section 49.045, 49.07,   or 49.08, Penal Code, or an offense under the laws of another state   containing elements substantially similar to the elements of an   offense under those sections; or                      (B)  on two or more occasions, has been previously   convicted of or placed on community supervision for an offense   under Section 49.04, 49.05, 49.06, or 49.065, Penal Code, or an   offense under the laws of another state containing elements   substantially similar to the elements of an offense under those   sections.          SECTION 111.  Section 726.002, Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 726.002.  TESTING AND INSPECTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES. A   municipality may adopt an ordinance:                (1)  requiring each resident of the municipality,   including a corporation having its principal office or place of   business in the municipality, who owns a motor vehicle used for the   transportation of persons or property and each person operating a   motor vehicle on the public thoroughfares of the municipality to   have each motor vehicle owned or operated, as appropriate, tested   and inspected not more than four times in each calendar year;                (2)  requiring each motor vehicle involved in a crash   [an accident] to be tested and inspected before it may be operated   on the public thoroughfares of the municipality; or                (3)  requiring that a motor vehicle operated on the   public thoroughfares of the municipality be tested, inspected, and   approved by the testing and inspecting authority.          SECTION 112.  Sections 730.003(4) and (6), Transportation   Code, are amended to read as follows:                (4)  "Motor vehicle record" means a record that   pertains to a motor vehicle operator's or driver's license or   permit, motor vehicle registration, motor vehicle title, or   identification document issued by an agency of this state or a local   agency authorized to issue an identification document.  The term   does not include:                      (A)  a record that pertains to a motor carrier; or                      (B)  a crash [an accident] report prepared under:                            (i)  Chapter 550; or                            (ii)  former Section 601.004 before   September 1, 2017.                (6)  "Personal information" means information that   identifies a person, including an individual's photograph or   computerized image, social security number, date of birth, driver   identification number, name, address, but not the zip code, e-mail   address, telephone number, and medical or disability information.     The term does not include:                      (A)  information on vehicle crashes [accidents],   driving or equipment-related violations, or driver's license or   registration status; or                      (B)  information contained in a crash [an   accident] report prepared under:                            (i)  Chapter 550; or                            (ii)  former Section 601.004 before   September 1, 2017.          SECTION 113.  Section 1006.153(e), Transportation Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (e)  Out of each fee collected under Subsection (b) or an   amount collected under Subsection (b-1):                (1)  20 percent shall be appropriated to the authority   for the purposes of this chapter;                (2)  20 percent shall be deposited to the credit of the   general revenue fund, to be used only for criminal justice   purposes; and                (3)  60 percent shall be deposited to the credit of the   designated trauma facility and emergency medical services account   under Section 780.003, Health and Safety Code, to be used only for   the criminal justice purpose of funding designated trauma   facilities, county and regional emergency medical services, and   trauma care systems that provide trauma care and emergency medical   services to victims of crashes [accidents] resulting from traffic   offenses.          SECTION 114.  The heading to Chapter 504, Business &   Commerce Code, is amended to read as follows:   CHAPTER 504. PROHIBITED USE OF CRIME VICTIM OR MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH   [ACCIDENT] INFORMATION          SECTION 115.  Section 504.001(2), Business & Commerce Code,   is amended to read as follows:                (2)  "Motor vehicle crash [accident] information"   means information that:                      (A)  is collected or prepared by a law enforcement   agency; and                      (B)  identifies or serves to identify a person   who, according to a record of the agency, may have been involved in   a motor vehicle crash [accident].          SECTION 116.  Section 504.002(a), Business & Commerce Code,   is amended to read as follows:          (a)  A person who possesses crime victim or motor vehicle   crash [accident] information that the person obtained or knows was   obtained from a law enforcement agency may not:                (1)  use the information to contact directly any of the   following persons for the purpose of soliciting business from the   person:                      (A)  a crime victim;                      (B)  a person who was involved in a motor vehicle   crash [accident]; or                      (C)  a member of the family of a person described   by Paragraph (A) or (B); or                (2)  sell the information to another person for   financial gain.          SECTION 117.  Section 17.062(a), Civil Practice and Remedies   Code, is amended to read as follows:          (a)  The chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission is   an agent for service of process on a person who is a nonresident or   an agent of a nonresident in any suit against the person or agent   that grows out of a collision or crash [accident] in which the   person or the person's [his] agent is involved while operating a   motor vehicle in this state.          SECTION 118.  Section 30.006(e), Civil Practice and Remedies   Code, is amended to read as follows:          (e)  This section does not apply to:                (1)  a report of a crash [an accident] under Chapter   550, Transportation Code; and                (2)  photographs, field measurements, scene drawings,   and crash [accident] reconstruction done in conjunction with the   investigation of the underlying crash [accident].          SECTION 119.  Section 72.001, Civil Practice and Remedies   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 72.001.  LIMITED LIABILITY.  A person who is related to   the owner or operator of a motor vehicle within the second degree by   consanguinity or affinity, as determined under Chapter 573,   Government Code, and who is being transported in the motor vehicle   over a public highway of this state as a guest without payment for   the transportation has a cause of action against the owner or   operator of the motor vehicle for injury, death, or loss in a crash   [an accident] only if the crash [accident] was intentional on the   part of the owner or operator or was caused by the owner's or   operator's [his] heedlessness or reckless disregard of the rights   of others.          SECTION 120.  Section 72.051, Civil Practice and Remedies   Code, is amended by amending Subdivisions (2) and (4) and adding   Subdivision (5-a) to read as follows:                (2)  "Civil action" means an action in which:                      (A)  a claimant seeks recovery of damages for   bodily injury or death caused in a crash [an accident]; and                      (B)  a defendant:                            (i)  operated a commercial motor vehicle   involved in the crash [accident]; or                            (ii)  owned, leased, or otherwise held or   exercised legal control over a commercial motor vehicle or operator   of a commercial motor vehicle involved in the crash [accident].                (4)  "Commercial motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle   being used for commercial purposes in interstate or intrastate   commerce to transport property or passengers, deliver or transport   goods, or provide services.  The term does not include a motor   vehicle being used at the time of the crash [accident] for personal,   family, or household purposes.                (5-a)  "Crash" means an event in which operating a   commercial motor vehicle causes bodily injury or death.          SECTION 121.  The heading to Section 72.052, Civil Practice   and Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 72.052.  BIFURCATED TRIAL IN CERTAIN COMMERCIAL MOTOR   VEHICLE CRASH [ACCIDENT] ACTIONS.          SECTION 122.  Sections 72.054(a), (c), (d), and (f), Civil   Practice and Remedies Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (d), in a civil action   under this subchapter, an employer defendant's liability for   damages caused by the ordinary negligence of a person operating the   defendant's commercial motor vehicle shall be based only on   respondeat superior if the defendant stipulates, within the time   provided by Section 72.052 for filing a motion to bifurcate, that,   at the time of the crash [accident], the person operating the   vehicle was:                (1)  the defendant's employee; and                (2)  acting within the scope of employment.          (c)  In a civil action under this subchapter in which an   employer defendant is regulated by the Motor Carrier Safety   Improvement Act of 1999 (Pub. L. No. 106-159) or Chapter 644,   Transportation Code, a party may present any of the following   evidence in the first phase of a trial that is bifurcated under   Section 72.052 if applicable to a defendant in the action:                (1)  whether the employee who was operating the   employer defendant's commercial motor vehicle at the time of the   crash [accident] that is the subject of the civil action:                      (A)  was licensed to drive the vehicle at the time   of the crash [accident];                      (B)  was disqualified from driving the vehicle   under 49 C.F.R. Section 383.51, 383.52, or 391.15 at the time of the   crash [accident];                      (C)  was subject to an out-of-service order, as   defined by 49 C.F.R. Section 390.5, at the time of the crash   [accident];                      (D)  was driving the vehicle in violation of a   license restriction imposed under 49 C.F.R. Section 383.95 or   Section 522.043, Transportation Code, at the time of the crash   [accident];                      (E)  had received a certificate of driver's road   test from the employer defendant as required by 49 C.F.R. Section   391.31 or had an equivalent certificate or license as provided by 49   C.F.R. Section 391.33;                      (F)  had been medically certified as physically   qualified to operate the vehicle under 49 C.F.R. Section 391.41;                      (G)  was operating the vehicle when prohibited   from doing so under 49 C.F.R. Section 382.201, 382.205, 382.207,   382.215, 395.3, or 395.5 or 37 T.A.C. Section 4.12, as applicable,   on the day of the crash [accident];                      (H)  was texting or using a handheld mobile   telephone while driving the vehicle in violation of 49 C.F.R.   Section 392.80 or 392.82 at the time of the crash [accident];                      (I)  provided the employer defendant with an   application for employment as required by 49 C.F.R. Section   391.21(a) if the crash [accident] occurred on or before the first   anniversary of the date the employee began employment with the   employer defendant; and                      (J)  refused to submit to a controlled substance   test as required by 49 C.F.R. Section 382.303, 382.305, 382.307,   382.309, or 382.311 during the two years preceding the date of the   crash [accident]; and                (2)  whether the employer defendant:                      (A)  allowed the employee to operate the   employer's commercial motor vehicle on the day of the crash   [accident] in violation of 49 C.F.R. Section 382.201, 382.205,   382.207, 382.215, 382.701(d), 395.3, or 395.5 or 37 T.A.C. Section   4.12, as applicable;                      (B)  had complied with 49 C.F.R. Section 382.301   in regard to controlled-substance testing of the employee driver   if:                            (i)  the employee driver was impaired   because of the use of a controlled substance at the time of the   crash [accident]; and                            (ii)  the crash [accident] occurred on or   before the 180th day after the date the employee driver began   employment with the employer defendant;                      (C)  had made the investigations and inquiries as   provided by 49 C.F.R. Section 391.23(a) in regard to the employee   driver if the crash [accident] occurred on or before the first   anniversary of the date the employee driver began employment with   the employer defendant; and                      (D)  was subject to an out-of-service order, as   defined by 49 C.F.R. Section 390.5, at the time of the crash   [accident].          (d)  If a civil action is bifurcated under Section 72.052,   evidence admissible under Subsection (c) is:                (1)  admissible in the first phase of the trial only to   prove ordinary negligent entrustment by the employer defendant to   the employee who was driving the employer defendant's commercial   motor vehicle at the time of the crash [accident] that is the   subject of the action; and                (2)  the only evidence that may be presented by the   claimant in the first phase of the trial on the negligent   entrustment claim.          (f)  Nothing in this section prevents a claimant from   pursuing:                (1)  an ordinary negligence claim against an employer   defendant for a claim, such as negligent maintenance, that does not   require a finding of negligence by an employee as a prerequisite to   an employer defendant being found negligent for its conduct or   omission, or from presenting evidence on that claim in the first   phase of a bifurcated trial; or                (2)  a claim for exemplary damages under Chapter 41 for   an employer defendant's conduct or omissions in relation to the   crash [accident] that is the subject of the action, or from   presenting evidence on that claim in the second phase of a   bifurcated trial.          SECTION 123.  Section 72.055, Civil Practice and Remedies   Code, is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 72.055.  ADMISSIBILITY OF VISUAL DEPICTIONS OF CRASH   [ACCIDENT]. (a)  In a civil action under this subchapter, a court   may not require expert testimony for admission into evidence of a   photograph or video of a vehicle or object involved in a crash [an   accident] that is the subject of the action except as necessary to   authenticate the photograph or video.          (b)  If properly authenticated under the Texas Rules of   Evidence, a photograph or video of a vehicle or object involved in a   crash [an accident] that is the subject of a civil action under this   subchapter is presumed admissible, even if the photograph or video   tends to support or refute an assertion regarding the severity of   damages or injury to an object or person involved in the crash   [accident].          SECTION 124.  Article 12.01, Code of Criminal Procedure, is   amended to read as follows:          Art. 12.01.  FELONIES. Except as provided in Article 12.03,   felony indictments may be presented within these limits, and not   afterward:                (1)  no limitation:                      (A)  murder and manslaughter;                      (B)  sexual assault under Section 22.011(a)(2),   Penal Code, or aggravated sexual assault under Section   22.021(a)(1)(B), Penal Code;                      (C)  sexual assault, if:                            (i)  during the investigation of the offense   biological matter is collected and the matter:                                  (a)  has not yet been subjected to   forensic DNA testing; or                                  (b)  has been subjected to forensic DNA   testing and the testing results show that the matter does not match   the victim or any other person whose identity is readily   ascertained; or                            (ii)  probable cause exists to believe that   the defendant has committed the same or a similar sex offense   against five or more victims;                      (D)  continuous sexual abuse of young child or   disabled individual under Section 21.02, Penal Code;                      (E)  indecency with a child under Section 21.11,   Penal Code;                      (F)  an offense involving leaving the scene of a   crash [an accident] under Section 550.021, Transportation Code, if   the crash [accident] resulted in the death of a person;                      (G)  trafficking of persons under Section   20A.02(a)(7) or (8), Penal Code;                      (H)  continuous trafficking of persons under   Section 20A.03, Penal Code; or                      (I)  compelling prostitution under Section   43.05(a)(2), Penal Code;                (2)  ten years from the date of the commission of the   offense:                      (A)  theft of any estate, real, personal or mixed,   by an executor, administrator, guardian or trustee, with intent to   defraud any creditor, heir, legatee, ward, distributee,   beneficiary or settlor of a trust interested in such estate;                      (B)  theft by a public servant of government   property over which the public servant exercises control in the   public servant's official capacity;                      (C)  forgery or the uttering, using or passing of   forged instruments;                      (D)  injury to an elderly or disabled individual   punishable as a felony of the first degree under Section 22.04,   Penal Code;                      (E)  sexual assault, except as provided by   Subdivision (1) or (7);                      (F)  arson;                      (G)  trafficking of persons under Section   20A.02(a)(1), (2), (3), or (4), Penal Code; or                      (H)  compelling prostitution under Section   43.05(a)(1), Penal Code;                (3)  seven years from the date of the commission of the   offense:                      (A)  misapplication of fiduciary property or   property of a financial institution;                      (B)  fraudulent securing of document execution;                      (C)  a felony violation under Chapter 162, Tax   Code;                      (D)  false statement to obtain property or credit   under Section 32.32, Penal Code;                      (E)  money laundering;                      (F)  credit card or debit card abuse under Section   32.31, Penal Code;                      (G)  fraudulent use or possession of identifying   information under Section 32.51, Penal Code;                      (H)  exploitation of a child, elderly individual,   or disabled individual under Section 32.53, Penal Code;                      (I)  health care fraud under Section 35A.02, Penal   Code; or                      (J)  bigamy under Section 25.01, Penal Code,   except as provided by Subdivision (6);                (4)  five years from the date of the commission of the   offense:                      (A)  theft or robbery;                      (B)  except as provided by Subdivision (5),   kidnapping or burglary;                      (C)  injury to an elderly or disabled individual   that is not punishable as a felony of the first degree under Section   22.04, Penal Code;                      (D)  abandoning or endangering a child; or                      (E)  insurance fraud;                (5)  if the investigation of the offense shows that the   victim is younger than 17 years of age at the time the offense is   committed, 20 years from the 18th birthday of the victim of one of   the following offenses:                      (A)  sexual performance by a child under Section   43.25, Penal Code;                      (B)  aggravated kidnapping under Section   20.04(a)(4), Penal Code, if the defendant committed the offense   with the intent to violate or abuse the victim sexually; or                      (C)  burglary under Section 30.02, Penal Code, if   the offense is punishable under Subsection (d) of that section and   the defendant committed the offense with the intent to commit an   offense described by Subdivision (1)(B) or (D) of this article or   Paragraph (B) of this subdivision;                (6)  ten years from the 18th birthday of the victim of   the offense:                      (A)  trafficking of persons under Section   20A.02(a)(5) or (6), Penal Code;                      (B)  injury to a child under Section 22.04, Penal   Code; or                      (C)  bigamy under Section 25.01, Penal Code, if   the investigation of the offense shows that the person, other than   the legal spouse of the defendant, whom the defendant marries or   purports to marry or with whom the defendant lives under the   appearance of being married is younger than 18 years of age at the   time the offense is committed;                (7)  two years from the date the offense was   discovered: sexual assault punishable as a state jail felony under   Section 22.011(f)(2), Penal Code; or                (8)  three years from the date of the commission of the   offense: all other felonies.          SECTION 125.  The heading to Article 42A.516, Code of   Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows:          Art. 42A.516.  COMMUNITY SUPERVISION FOR LEAVING SCENE OF   MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH [ACCIDENT] RESULTING IN DEATH OF PERSON.          SECTION 126.  Article 49.10(j), Code of Criminal Procedure,   is amended to read as follows:          (j)  A justice of the peace may order a physician, qualified   technician, paramedic, chemist, registered professional nurse, or   licensed vocational nurse to take a specimen of blood from the body   of a person who died as the result of a motor vehicle crash   [accident] if the justice determines that circumstances indicate   that the person may have been driving while intoxicated.          SECTION 127.  Article 59.01(3), Code of Criminal Procedure,   is amended to read as follows:                (3)  "Crime of violence" means:                      (A)  any criminal offense defined in the Penal   Code or in a federal criminal law that results in a personal injury   to a victim; or                      (B)  an act that is not an offense under the Penal   Code involving the operation of a motor vehicle, aircraft, or water   vehicle that results in injury or death sustained in a crash [an   accident] caused by a driver in violation of Section 550.021,   Transportation Code.          SECTION 128.  The heading to Section 34.015, Education Code,   is amended to read as follows:          Sec. 34.015.  REPORTING OF BUS CRASHES [ACCIDENTS].          SECTION 129.  Section 34.015(b), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (b)  A school district shall report annually to the Texas   Education Agency the number of crashes [accidents] in which the   district's buses are involved. The agency by rule shall determine   the information to be reported, including:                (1)  the type of bus involved in the crash [accident];                (2)  whether the bus was equipped with seat belts;                (3)  the number of students and adults involved in the   crash [accident];                (4)  the number and types of injuries sustained by bus   passengers in the crash [accident]; and                (5)  whether the injured passengers were wearing seat   belts at the time of the crash [accident].          SECTION 130.  Section 54.352(g), Education Code, is amended   to read as follows:          (g)  For the purpose of this section, an injury is suffered   during the performance of a duty as a peace officer if the injury   occurs as a result of the peace officer's performance of any of the   following law enforcement duties:                (1)  traffic enforcement or traffic control duties,   including enforcement of traffic laws, investigation of vehicle   crashes [accidents], or directing traffic;                (2)  pursuit, arrest, or search of a person reasonably   believed to have violated a law;                (3)  investigation, including undercover   investigation, of a criminal act;                (4)  patrol duties, including automobile, bicycle,   foot, air, or horse patrol;                (5)  duties related to the transfer of prisoners; or                (6)  training duties, including participation in any   training required by the officer's employer or supervisor or by the   Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.          SECTION 131.  Section 1001.1015(b), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  A driver education course under Subsection (a) must:                (1)  provide at least the minimum number of hours of   classroom instruction required by commission rule; and                (2)  include instruction in:                      (A)  alcohol and drug awareness;                      (B)  the traffic laws of this state;                      (C)  highway signs, signals, and markings that   regulate, warn, or direct traffic; and                      (D)  the issues commonly associated with motor   vehicle crashes [accidents], including poor decision-making, risk   taking, impaired driving, distraction, speed, failure to use a   safety belt, driving at night, failure to yield the right-of-way,   and using a wireless communication device while operating a   vehicle.          SECTION 132.  Section 1001.112(b), Education Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  A person is eligible to conduct a driver education   course for another person as provided by Subsection (a) if the   person:                (1)  is either:                      (A)  a parent, stepparent, foster parent, legal   guardian, grandparent, or step-grandparent of the other person; or                      (B)  an individual who:                            (i)  has been designated on a form   prescribed by the department for purposes of this section by a   parent or legal guardian of the other person or by a judge of a court   with jurisdiction over the other person;                            (ii)  is at least 25 years of age;                            (iii)  does not charge a fee for conducting   the course; and                            (iv)  has at least seven years of driving   experience;                (2)  has possessed a valid license for the preceding   three years that has not been suspended, revoked, or forfeited in   the past three years for an offense that involves the operation of a   motor vehicle;                (3)  has not been convicted of:                      (A)  criminally negligent homicide; or                      (B)  driving while intoxicated in the past seven   years; and                (4)  has not been convicted during the preceding three   years of:                      (A)  three or more moving violations described by   Section 542.304, Transportation Code, including violations that   resulted in a crash [an accident]; or                      (B)  two or more moving violations described by   Section 542.304, Transportation Code, that resulted in a crash [an   accident].          SECTION 133.  Section 203.007(b), Family Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (b)  A domestic relations office is entitled to obtain from   the Department of Public Safety records that relate to:                (1)  a person's date of birth;                (2)  a person's most recent address;                (3)  a person's current driver's license status;                (4)  motor vehicle crashes [accidents] involving a   person;                (5)  reported traffic-law violations of which a person   has been convicted; and                (6)  a person's criminal history record information.          SECTION 134.  Section 264.513(c), Family Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (c)  A person is not required to report a death under this   section that is the result of a motor vehicle crash [accident].   This subsection does not affect a duty imposed by another law to   report a death that is the result of a motor vehicle crash   [accident].          SECTION 135.  Section 411.019(a), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  The department shall provide a 24-hour toll-free   telephone number for use by the public in reporting traffic   offenses, including driving while intoxicated, suspected criminal   activity, and traffic crashes [accidents] and other emergencies.          SECTION 136.  Section 411.0726(e), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (e)  A court may not issue an order of nondisclosure of   criminal history record information under this section if the   attorney representing the state presents evidence sufficient to the   court demonstrating that the commission of the offense for which   the order is sought resulted in a motor vehicle crash [accident]   involving another person, including a passenger in a motor vehicle   operated by the person seeking the order of nondisclosure.          SECTION 137.  Section 411.0731(e), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (e)  A court may not issue an order of nondisclosure of   criminal history record information under this section if the   attorney representing the state presents evidence sufficient to the   court demonstrating that the commission of the offense for which   the order is sought resulted in a motor vehicle crash [accident]   involving another person, including a passenger in a motor vehicle   operated by the person seeking the order of nondisclosure.          SECTION 138.  Section 411.0736(e), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (e)  A court may not issue an order of nondisclosure of   criminal history record information under this section if the   attorney representing the state presents evidence sufficient to the   court demonstrating that the commission of the offense for which   the order is sought resulted in a motor vehicle crash [accident]   involving another person, including a passenger in a motor vehicle   operated by the person seeking the order of nondisclosure.          SECTION 139.  Section 423.002(a), Government Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (a)  It is lawful to capture an image using an unmanned   aircraft in this state:                (1)  for the purpose of professional or scholarly   research and development or for another academic purpose by a   person acting on behalf of an institution of higher education or a   private or independent institution of higher education, as those   terms are defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, including a   person who:                      (A)  is a professor, employee, or student of the   institution; or                      (B)  is under contract with or otherwise acting   under the direction or on behalf of the institution;                (2)  in airspace designated as a test site or range   authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration for the purpose   of integrating unmanned aircraft systems into the national   airspace;                (3)  as part of an operation, exercise, or mission of   any branch of the United States military;                (4)  if the image is captured by a satellite for the   purposes of mapping;                (5)  if the image is captured by or for an electric or   natural gas utility or a telecommunications provider:                      (A)  for operations and maintenance of utility or   telecommunications facilities for the purpose of maintaining   utility or telecommunications system reliability and integrity;                      (B)  for inspecting utility or telecommunications   facilities to determine repair, maintenance, or replacement needs   during and after construction of such facilities;                      (C)  for assessing vegetation growth for the   purpose of maintaining clearances on utility or telecommunications   easements; and                      (D)  for utility or telecommunications facility   routing and siting for the purpose of providing utility or   telecommunications service;                (6)  with the consent of the individual who owns or   lawfully occupies the real property captured in the image;                (7)  pursuant to a valid search or arrest warrant;                (8)  if the image is captured by a law enforcement   authority or a person who is under contract with or otherwise acting   under the direction or on behalf of a law enforcement authority:                      (A)  in immediate pursuit of a person law   enforcement officers have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to   suspect has committed an offense, not including misdemeanors or   offenses punishable by a fine only;                      (B)  for the purpose of documenting a crime scene   where an offense, not including misdemeanors or offenses punishable   by a fine only, has been committed;                      (C)  for the purpose of investigating the scene   of:                            (i)  a human fatality;                            (ii)  a motor vehicle crash [accident]   causing death or serious bodily injury to a person; or                            (iii)  any motor vehicle crash [accident] on   a state highway or federal interstate or highway;                      (D)  in connection with the search for a missing   person;                      (E)  for the purpose of conducting a high-risk   tactical operation that poses a threat to human life;                      (F)  of private property that is generally open to   the public where the property owner consents to law enforcement   public safety responsibilities; or                      (G)  of real property or a person on real property   that is within 25 miles of the United States border for the sole   purpose of ensuring border security;                (9)  if the image is captured by state or local law   enforcement authorities, or a person who is under contract with or   otherwise acting under the direction or on behalf of state   authorities, for the purpose of:                      (A)  surveying the scene of a catastrophe or other   damage to determine whether a state of emergency should be   declared;                      (B)  preserving public safety, protecting   property, or surveying damage or contamination during a lawfully   declared state of emergency; or                      (C)  conducting routine air quality sampling and   monitoring, as provided by state or local law;                (10)  at the scene of a spill, or a suspected spill, of   hazardous materials;                (11)  for the purpose of fire suppression;                (12)  for the purpose of rescuing a person whose life or   well-being is in imminent danger;                (13)  if the image is captured by a Texas licensed real   estate broker in connection with the marketing, sale, or financing   of real property, provided that no individual is identifiable in   the image;                (14)  from a height no more than eight feet above ground   level in a public place, if the image was captured without using any   electronic, mechanical, or other means to amplify the image beyond   normal human perception;                (15)  of public real property or a person on that   property;                (16)  if the image is captured by the owner or operator   of an oil, gas, water, or other pipeline for the purpose of   inspecting, maintaining, or repairing pipelines or other related   facilities, and is captured without the intent to conduct   surveillance on an individual or real property located in this   state;                (17)  in connection with oil pipeline safety and rig   protection;                (18)  in connection with port authority surveillance   and security;                (19)  if the image is captured by a registered   professional land surveyor in connection with the practice of   professional surveying, as those terms are defined by Section   1071.002, Occupations Code, provided that no individual is   identifiable in the image;                (20)  if the image is captured by a professional   engineer licensed under Subchapter G, Chapter 1001, Occupations   Code, in connection with the practice of engineering, as defined by   Section 1001.003, Occupations Code, provided that no individual is   identifiable in the image; or                (21)  if:                      (A)  the image is captured by an employee of an   insurance company or of an affiliate of the company in connection   with the underwriting of an insurance policy, or the rating or   adjusting of an insurance claim, regarding real property or a   structure on real property; and                      (B)  the operator of the unmanned aircraft is   authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct   operations within the airspace from which the image is captured.          SECTION 140.  Section 1952.155, Insurance Code, is amended   to read as follows:          Sec. 1952.155.  BENEFITS PAYABLE WITHOUT REGARD TO FAULT OR   COLLATERAL SOURCE; EFFECT ON SUBROGATION. (a) The benefits under   coverage required by this subchapter are payable without regard to:                (1)  the fault or nonfault of the named insured or   recipient in causing or contributing to the crash [accident]; and                (2)  any collateral source of medical, hospital, or   wage continuation benefits.          (b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), an insurer paying   benefits under coverage required by this subchapter does not have a   right of subrogation or claim against any other person or insurer to   recover any benefits by reason of the alleged fault of the other   person in causing or contributing to the crash [accident].          (c)  An insurer paying benefits pursuant to this subchapter,   including a county mutual insurance company, shall have a right of   subrogation and a claim against a person causing or contributing to   the crash [accident] if, on the date of loss, financial   responsibility as required by Chapter 601, Transportation Code, has   not been established for a motor vehicle involved in the crash   [accident] and operated by that person.          SECTION 141.  Section 1954.056(b), Insurance Code, is   amended to read as follows:          (b)  A transportation network company driver shall carry   proof of insurance that satisfies Sections 1954.052 and 1954.053   with the driver when the driver uses a vehicle in connection with a   transportation network company's digital network. In the event of   a crash [an accident], a driver shall provide the proof of insurance   to a directly interested person, automobile insurer, and   investigating peace officer on request under Section 601.053,   Transportation Code.  On request, a driver shall also disclose to a   directly interested person, automobile insurer, and investigating   peace officer whether, at the time of the crash [accident], the   driver was:                (1)  logged on to the company's digital network; or                (2)  engaged in a prearranged ride.          SECTION 142.  Section 2308.002(5-a), Occupations Code, is   amended to read as follows:                (5-a)  "Incident management tow" means any tow of a   vehicle in which the tow truck is summoned to the scene of a traffic   crash [accident] or to an incident, including the removal of a   vehicle, commercial cargo, and commercial debris from a crash [an   accident] or incident scene.          SECTION 143.  Sections 2308.209(c), (d), and (h),   Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows:          (c)  The sheriff's office may maintain a list of towing   companies to perform nonconsent tows of motor vehicles initiated by   a peace officer investigating a traffic crash [accident] or a   traffic incident.  The towing companies must operate in a county to   which this section applies.          (d)  A peace officer initiating a nonconsent tow of a motor   vehicle involved in a traffic crash [accident] or traffic incident   that the officer is investigating shall notify the sheriff's office   that the tow is being initiated.  The sheriff's office shall   contact successive towing companies on the tow rotation list until   a company agrees to carry out the tow.          (h)  In a county in which a list is maintained under   Subsection (c), a person commits an offense if:                (1)  the person arrives at the scene of a traffic crash   [accident] or traffic incident to perform a nonconsent tow of a   motor vehicle without first being contacted by the sheriff's   office;                (2)  the person directly or indirectly solicits, on   streets located in the county, towing services, including towing,   removing, repairing, wrecking, storing, trading, selling, or   purchasing related to a vehicle that has been damaged in a crash [an   accident] to the extent that it cannot be normally and safely   driven; or                (3)  the person enters the scene of a traffic crash   [accident], traffic incident, or other area under the control of a   peace officer without the permission of the peace officer.          SECTION 144.  The heading to Section 38.18, Penal Code, is   amended to read as follows:          Sec. 38.18.  USE OF CRASH [ACCIDENT] REPORT INFORMATION AND   OTHER INFORMATION FOR PECUNIARY GAIN.          SECTION 145.  Section 2(4-a), Article 6243g-4, Vernon's   Texas Civil Statutes, is amended to read as follows:                (4-a)  "Catastrophic injury" means a sudden, violent,   life-threatening, duty-related injury sustained by an active   member that is due to an externally caused motor vehicle crash   [accident], gunshot wound, aggravated assault, or other external   event or events and results, as supported by evidence, in one of the   following conditions:                      (A)  total, complete, and permanent loss of sight   in one or both eyes;                      (B)  total, complete, and permanent loss of the   use of one or both feet at or above the ankle;                      (C)  total, complete, and permanent loss of the   use of one or both hands at or above the wrist;                      (D)  injury to the spine that results in a total,   permanent, and complete paralysis of both arms, both legs, or one   arm and one leg; or                      (E)  an externally caused physical traumatic   injury to the brain rendering the member physically or mentally   unable to perform the member's duties as a police officer.          SECTION 146.  Section 72.051(1), Civil Practice and Remedies   Code, is repealed.          SECTION 147.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.