SRC-JRN H.B. 649 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 649
By: Bosse (Whitmire)
Intergovernmental Relations
4-17-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Transportation Code allows certain organizations performing
official duties to use unmarked automobiles.  However, a county's fire
marshal's office is not included in the list of eligible organizations
allowed to use unmarked vehicles when performing official duties.  This
bill expands the list of eligible organizations which may use unmarked
vehicles for performing official duties to include the county fire
marshal's office. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 649 expands the list of eligible organizations which may
use unmarked vehicles for performing official duties to include the county
fire marshal's office. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 721.005(b), Transportation Code, to authorize
the commissioners court of a county to exempt an automobile from the
requirements of Section 721.004 when used by certain entities to perform
an official duty, including the county fire marshal's office. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.