WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 4417

Relating to the use of certain money from the state highway fund for certain projects in the Safe Routes to School Program.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Erin Gámez

HB 4417 redirects state highway fund money to Safe Routes to School infrastructure projects, prioritizing pedestrian and bicycle safety near schools over general highway spending.

Left pending in subcommittee
#statehighwayfund(s0751) #statefinances--management&control(i0748) #transportation #texasdepartmentof(v8796) #vehicles&traffic--general(i0865)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4417

Legislative bill overview

HB 4417 authorizes the reallocation of certain state highway fund money to support the Safe Routes to School Program, which funds infrastructure improvements like sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian crossings near schools. The bill would redirect transportation funding from general highway projects to prioritize school safety and active transportation access for students.

Why is this important

Safe Routes to School programs address traffic safety, reduce vehicle congestion around schools during drop-off/pickup times, and encourage healthy physical activity in children. The bill requires making a policy choice about how limited transportation dollars are spent—balancing highway maintenance and expansion against school infrastructure safety investments.

Potential points of contention

  • Highway funding competition: Redirecting state highway funds may reduce resources available for road maintenance and expansion projects that benefit broader communities and commerce corridors
  • Funding mechanism clarity: The bill's specific mechanism for identifying "certain money" from the highway fund and the amount available for reallocation needs clarification to assess real fiscal impact
  • Geographic equity: Questions about which schools benefit from these funds and whether funding allocation will be equitable across urban, suburban, and rural districts with different infrastructure needs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.