Senate bill 1013 aims to expand crosswalk protections for sidewalk users

The Senate Committee on Transportation convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss critical updates to pedestrian safety legislation, particularly focusing on the Lisa Torrey Smith Act. This act, named after a mother tragically killed while crossing the street with her child, aims to enhance protections for pedestrians in crosswalks.

Senator Huffman originally passed the Lisa Torrey Smith Act in 2021, establishing that drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, with penalties for those who fail to comply. However, the current transportation code does not adequately address the safety of sidewalk users, such as bicyclists and individuals using mobility scooters, particularly in areas where driveways intersect with sidewalks.

During the meeting, the committee reviewed Senate Bill 1013, which seeks to amend the definition of a crosswalk to include areas within the lateral lines of sidewalks at driveway curb cuts. This change aims to ensure that all sidewalk users receive the same legal protections as pedestrians crossing at designated crosswalks. The bill addresses a significant gap in the law that has led to tragic incidents, including the death of a 12-year-old girl who was struck while riding her bike on the sidewalk.

The proposed legislation would not classify these areas as public property but would ensure that sidewalk users are protected under the same legal framework as pedestrians. Additionally, the committee discussed existing laws that prohibit obstructing passageways, emphasizing the public's right to use sidewalks adjacent to private properties.

The discussions highlighted the urgent need for legislative action to improve safety for all sidewalk users and close existing loopholes in the law. The committee's next steps will involve further deliberation on the bill and its potential impact on pedestrian safety in Texas.