TWT H.B. 977 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


TRANSPORTATION
H.B. 977
By: Brimer
2-28-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Current Texas law requires the use of safety chains when a passenger car
or light truck tows a trailer, semitrailer, or house trailer on a public
highway. Similarly, this law also requires that a fifth-wheel, or goose
neck trailer also comply with the use of safety chains. Safety chains used
on goose neck or fifth-wheel trailers offer no additional safety value,
yet are required by law. 


PURPOSE

Allows a passenger car or light truck to forego the use of safety chains
when towing a fifth wheel or goose neck trailer. 


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 545.410(d), Transportation Code, by conforming
to Section 1, Chapter 842, Acts of the 74th Legislature, Regular Session,
1995, and by adding Subsection (2) which will exempt fifth-wheel or goose
neck trailers from the safety chain requirement. 

SECTION 2. Conforms changes in this Act to changes made by Section 1,
Chapter 842, Acts of the 74th Legislature, Regular Session, 1995. 

SECTION 3. Effective Date - September 1, 1997.

SECTION 4. Emergency Clause.