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.