BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 371
By: Romo
04-26-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

It is now illegal in every State to operate a vehicle at night
without lights.  Current law, (Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes,
Article 6701d) does not require any daytime use of headlights,
although recent studies have shown that using lights during the day
can help to make vehicles easier to see.  This increased visibility
for motorists will help decrease collisions.

This legislation is in anticipation of future Federal standards.
The National Transportation Safety Board recommends that the
Federal Government develop and conduct a program to encourage
motorists to drive with their low-beam headlights on during the
day. (Class II, Priority Action) (H-85-30).

PURPOSE

H.B. 371 increases requirements for headlamp illumination to
include while the vehicles windshield wipers are in use; and
decreases discernible distance from 1000 feet to 500 feet.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency, or institution.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1: Amends Section 109(a) of the Uniform Act Regulating
Traffic on Highways (Article 6701d, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes)
to decrease the distance requirements for displaying lighted lamps
from 1,000 to 500 feet and increases the requirements for
displaying lighted headlamps to include when because of rain,
sleet, snow, hail, or unfavorable atmospheric conditions when the
operator of the vehicle is using the vehicle's windshield wipers.

SECTION 2: Provides that this Act will take effect September 1,
1995.

SECTION 3: Emergency Clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

Pursuant to a public  notice posted on April 7, 1995 at 5:04 p.m.,
the House Committee on Transportation met in a public hearing on
Wednesday, April 12, 1995, at 2:00 p.m., or upon adjournment, in
Room E1.014 of the Capitol Extension and was called to order at
3:58 p.m. by the Chair, Representative Clyde Alexander.  The Chair
laid out H.B. 371 and recognized Representative Romo to explain
H.B. 371.  The Chair recognized the following person who testified
in support of H.B. 371.  Richard Geiger, Assoc. of Fire and
Casualty companies in Texas.  The Chair recognized the following
person who testified but was neutral on H.B. 371.  Charles Graham,
Texas Department of Public Safety.  The Chair left H.B. 371 pending
before the Committee.  Pursuant to a public notice posted on April
21, 1995, at 4:04 p.m., the House Committee on Transportation met
in a public hearing on Wednesday, April 26, 1995, at 2:00 p.m., or
upon adjournment, in Room E1.014 of the Capitol Extension and was
called to order at 6:13 p.m. by the Chair, Representative Clyde
Alexander.  The Chair laid out H.B. 371 by Romo, which was pending
before the Committee.  Representative Alonzo moved that the
Committee report H.B. 371, without amendments, to the full House
with the recommendation that it do pass.  The motion prevailed by
the following vote: Ayes (8), Nayes (0), Absent (1), Present not
voting (0).