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.