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.