BILL ANALYSIS


                                                          S.B. 19
                                                     By: Whitmire
                                                Natural Resources
                                                          2-14-95
                                     Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

As a result of the Clean Air Act passed by the U.S. Congress in
1990, the EPA set pollution reduction guidelines for the most
polluted areas of the state. As a part of the guidelines, the
emissions testing program was implemented in Houston, El Paso,
Dallas/Ft. Worth and Beaumont/Port Arthur. Constituents affected by
the program have complained that it is inefficient and costly and
should be examined by the state's congressional leaders before
implemented.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 19 provides for a 90 day delay of the vehicle
emissions inspection and maintenance program.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 382.037, Health and Safety Code, by
adding Subsection (o), to prohibit the vehicle emissions inspection
and maintenance program (program) from beginning operation until 91
days after the effective date of this subsection. Provides sections
under which this subsection applies to implementation of the Texas
Department of Transportation program.

SECTION 2. Requires the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Public
Safety Commission to suspend the operation of any program begun
under specific sections prior to the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.