BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 980
By: Truan (Oakley)
05-02-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

The Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways bans the use of
video displays that are visible to the driver of a vehicle.  The
purpose of this Act was to prohibit drivers from being distracted
by televisions.  In recent years, vehicle navigation systems of
various types have been developed.  However, the prohibition of
television screens also covers computer screens and other video
display terminals.  Such systems are in wide use in police cars,
emergency vehicles, taxis, and long distance trucks.  Civilian
navigation systems are currently available and widely used in many
states.  All such systems are illegal in Texas.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 980 provides that the use of a monitoring device
that produces an electronic display and is used exclusively in
conjunction with a mobile navigation system installed in the
vehicle is not prohibited.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency or institution.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 139D, Article 6701d, V.T.C.S. (Uniform
Act Regulating Traffic on Highways), by adding Subsection (d), to
provide that this section does not prohibit the use of a monitoring
device that produces an electronic display and is used exclusively
in conjunction with a mobile navigation system installed in the
vehicle.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1995.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

Pursuant to a public notice announced from the House floor on May
2, 1995, in accordance with House Rules, the House Committee on
Transportation met in a formal meeting on the House Floor, at Desk
22, on Tuesday, May 2, 1995, and was called to order by the
Chairman, Representative Clyde Alexander at 12:00 p.m.  The Chair
laid out S.B. 980, which is the companion document to H.B. 1617. 
Representative Edwards moved that the committee report S.B. 980,
without amendments, to the full House with the recommendation that
it do pass.  The motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes (7),
Nayes (0), Absent (2), Present not voting (0).