BILL ANALYSIS S.B. 287 By: Brown Intergovernmental Relations 2-22-95 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.