Carla Penny, an AARP Texas executive council member, hopes the legislature will establish a statewide "complete streets" program and ensure consumer protection for users of electric "smart meters." — Photo by Brandon Thibodeaux

Ruth Joy Bryant wants to get back to the active life she had before a recent fall fractured her ankle, putting the 92-year-old Austinite in the hospital and into daily physical rehabilitation sessions.

Bryant did so well her doctors sent her home with instructions to walk as much as possible. Unfortunately, her block does not have sidewalks, and it is not safe for Bryant — who uses a walker — to be in the street alone, so she has a neighbor take walks with her.

Bryant's situation shows why a "complete streets" initiative, promoting streets designed to be shared by motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users, is one of many AARP legislative priorities for the upcoming session that opens Jan. 8.

"Complete streets are important because as people age, mobility tends to be an increasing concern," said Amanda Fredriksen, advocacy director at AARP Texas.

"Smart meter" security

Another AARP legislative priority is establishing standards for the new "smart meters" that some Texas energy suppliers are installing in homes. The meters store a large amount of information on residents' electric use, which can help a utility and its customers make wiser usage decisions.

But the utility company can provide the data to third parties. Consumer advocates are concerned that could lead to invasions of privacy.

Austin resident Carla Penny, a member of the AARP Texas executive council, said it could become a security issue.

"How easy would it be for criminals to infer from the patterns of usage when a home was empty?"

AARP Texas also plans to advocate for continued state funding for home- and community-based services that allow people to defer moving to a nursing home as long as possible.

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