BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 287
By: Brown (Coleman)
04-12-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Georgia, Florida, Wisconsin, and Virginia offer programs that allow
enforcement agencies to appoint disabled U.S. citizens to help
enforce parking violations.  Law enforcement departments in cities
and counties are confronted with heavy demands for their services,
thus forcing the departments to prioritize their services based on
severity and emergency status.  Often, the enforcement of parking
violations ends up being the last priority.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 287 authorizes a political subdivision to appoint
a disabled person to enforce a law relating to parking by or for
disabled persons.

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 6A, Article 6674a-5e.1, V.T.C.S., by
adding Subsection (e), as follows: 

     (e)  Authorizes a political subdivision to appoint a disabled
     person, who is a United States citizen and who has not been
     convicted of a felony, to have the authority to file charges
     against a person who commits an offense under this Act. 
     Requires the person appointed to take an oath of office and
     complete a training program.  Provides that the person is not
     a peace enforcer and may not carry a weapon under this
     subsection.  Provides that the person appointed is not
     entitled to compensation or indemnification from the political
     subdivision for injury or liability incurred in performing
     duties.  Provides that neither the political subdivision nor
     the state are liable for any injury or property damages
     incurred by the person while performing duties.
     
SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.



SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

SB 287 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on March
20, 1995.  The following people testified in favor of the bill:
Rep. Coleman; Sen. Buster Brown, representing himself; Chet Brooks,
representing himself; Jackie Goodman, representing herself; Bob
Kafke, representing ADAPT of Texas.  The bill was referred to a
subcommittee consisting of Representatives Ehrhardt, Woolley, and
Davila.  SB 287 was considered in a formal meeting by the
subcommittee on April 3, 1995.  The bill was reported favorably
without amendment to the full committee by a record vote of 3 ayes,
0 nays, 0 pnv, and 0 absent.  SB 287 was considered on subcommittee
report by the committee in a public hearing on April 10, 1995.  The
bill was reported favorably by the full committee without
amendments, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed
by a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, and 1 absent.