BILL ANALYSIS



H.C.R. 166
By: Uher
05-09-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Inc. (DISCUS)
is the national trade association representing the manufacturers
and marketers of 90% of all liquor sold in the United States.  As
part of DISCUS's emphasis on education, many programs have been
adopted to enhance awareness on alcohol abuse and treatment,
conduct public awareness campaigns, and prevent drunk driving. 
Over the years, DISCUS's education and social responsibility
programs on drunk driving have included: funding development of the
breathalyzer; co-sponsor of the "Friends Don't Let Friends Drive
Drunk" campaign;  co-sponsored distribution of 80 million "know
your limits" cards; and support of Students Against Driving Drunk
(SADD) in high schools.

DISCUS has proposed a five-point legislative program called the
"Drunk Driving Prevention Act" to toughen drunk driving laws in
every state.  The five key provisions include: (1) Alcohol
education for drivers, (2) Open container laws, (3) Administrative
license revocation
(4) Tough law against underage drinking, and (5) Chemical tests for
drivers in fatal crashes

The Texas Drivers Handbook currently provides limited information
on the effects on intoxication and related question on its drivers'
exam.  The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has statutory
responsibility for determining what material in included in the
driver's handbook, which is printed and distributed by the DPS. 
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) cooperates with the DPS in
determining what material is included in the textbooks used by
public schools and private drivers' courses.

PURPOSE

DISCUS proposes that Texas include more specific questions and
information about alcohol and driving on their driver's exams and
in the driver's handbook.  Students must be taught when they are
impressionable and forming their perceptions about the rules
society places on drivers.  Teenagers take the process of obtaining
their driver's licenses very seriously, and this the best time to
learn that drinking and driving simply will never be tolerated.


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


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HCR 166 was considered by the committee in a formal meeting on May
8, 1995.  The bill was reported favorably without amendment with
the recommendation that it do pass and be printed and be sent to
the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars by a record vote of 9
ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, and 0 absent.