S.B. No. 1013 amends Section 545.256 of the Transportation Code to enhance the rights of pedestrians and other sidewalk users when it comes to emerging from or entering alleys, driveways, or buildings. The bill introduces a definition for "sidewalk user," which includes individuals operating bicycles, motor-assisted scooters, electric personal assistive mobility devices, skateboards, roller skates, and similar devices. It mandates that operators emerging from these areas must stop before moving onto a sidewalk, yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and sidewalk users to avoid collisions, and yield to approaching vehicles when entering the roadway.

Additionally, the bill specifies that operators entering an alley, driveway, or building from a roadway must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians or sidewalk users on the sidewalk or in the area extending across the alley or driveway. This legislation aims to improve safety for all users of sidewalks and ensure that pedestrians and sidewalk users are prioritized in these interactions. The bill will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 541.302 (Transportation Code 541)
Senate Committee Report: Transportation Code 541.302 (Transportation Code 541)
Engrossed: Transportation Code 545.256 (Transportation Code 545, Transportation Code 541)
House Committee Report: Transportation Code 545.256 (Transportation Code 545, Transportation Code 541)