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.