BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3125
88R10026 DIO-F	By: Gamez (Zaffirini)
	Transportation
	5/4/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, Texas law prohibits the use of red, white, or blue beacon, flashing, or alternating lights by any vehicle other than authorized emergency vehicles. Although many emergency vehicles employ flashing white lights, their usage is not explicitly authorized. To address this issue, H.B. 3125 would allow the use of flashing white lights by authorized emergency vehicles, ensuring their adherence to state law.

H.B. 3125 amends current law relating to the use of certain lighting equipment on authorized emergency vehicles.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 547.702, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (c-1) to authorize an authorized emergency vehicle to be equipped with signal lamps that display alternating or flashing white lights that comply with the requirements of Subsections (c)(1) (relating to equipping an authorized emergency vehicle with signal lamps that are mounted as high and as widely spaced laterally as practicable) and (3) (relating to equipping an authorized emergency vehicle with signal lamps that emit a light visible at a distance of 500 feet in normal sunlight).

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.