The executive committee may set fare-enforcement rules, an authority must post warning signs, and a person who rides without paying the proper fare commits an offense.
Sec. 463.062. ENFORCEMENT OF FARES AND OTHER CHARGES; PENALTIES. (a) The executive committee by resolution may prohibit the use of the public transportation system by a person without payment of the appropriate fare for the use of the system and may establish reasonable and appropriate methods to ensure that persons using the public transportation system pay the appropriate fare for that use. (b) The executive committee by resolution may provide that a fare for or charge for the use of the public transportation system that is not paid incurs a reasonable administrative fee. (c) An authority shall post signs designating each area in which a person is prohibited from using the transportation system without payment of the appropriate fare. (d) A person commits an offense if the person or another for whom the person is criminally responsible under Section 7.02, Penal Code, uses the public transportation system without paying the appropriate fare. An offense under this section is: (1) a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $100; and (2) not a crime of moral turpitude. (e) If the person fails to provide proof that the person paid the appropriate fare for the use of the public transportation system and fails to pay any administrative fee assessed under Subsection (b) on or before the 30th day after the date the authority notifies the person that the person is required to pay the amount of the fare and the administrative fee, it is prima facie evidence that the person used the public transportation system without paying the appropriate fare. (f) The notice required by Subsection (e) may be included in a citation issued to the person by a peace officer under Article 14.06, Code of Criminal Procedure, or by a fare enforcement officer under Section 463.063, in connection with an offense relating to the nonpayment of the appropriate fare for the use of the public transportation system. (g) It is an exception to the application of Subsection (d) that on or before the 30th day after the date the authority notified the person that the person is required to pay the amount of the fare and any administrative fee assessed under Subsection (b), the person: (1) provided proof that the person paid the appropriate fare at the time the person used the public transportation system or at a later date or that the person was exempt from payment; and (2) paid the administrative fee assessed under Subsection (b), if applicable. (h) A justice court located in the territory of the authority may enter into an agreement with the authority to try all criminal cases that arise under Subsection (d). Notwithstanding Articles 4.12 and 4.14, Code of Criminal Procedure, if a justice court enters into an agreement with the authority: (1) a criminal case that arises under Subsection (d) must be tried in the justice court; and (2) the justice court has exclusive jurisdiction in all criminal cases that arise under Subsection (d). Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 151 (H.B. 71), Sec. 1, eff. May 24, 2019.