BILL ANALYSIS


                                                         S.B. 473
                                                    By: Patterson
                                                    State Affairs
                                                          3-13-95
                                       Committee Report (Amended)
BACKGROUND

The 71st Legislature passed a law requiring operators of
motorcycles to wear protective headgear when operating a motorcycle
on public streets and highways.  Proponents of this law maintained
that lives of motorcyclists involved in traffic accidents would be
saved and head injuries would be prevented.  Critics maintain that
statistics show that motorcycle fatality rates have been unaffected
by the helmet law while motorcycle registrations have decreased in
the state.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 473 sets forth the expiration dates for a medical
exemption from wearing protective headgear by motorcycle operators
and passengers.

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 2(d), Article 6701c-3, V.T.C.S., to
provide that a medical exemption expires on the earlier of the
180th, rather than the 10th, day after the date it is issued or on
the expiration date specified by the issuing physician on the form.

SECTION 2. Effective date:  September 1, 1995.  
           Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.