JWW H.B. 1049 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


PUBLIC SAFETY
H.B. 1049
By: Gutierrez
3-24-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Currently, when a non-Texas resident is in an accident and can not show
proof of financial responsibility in the state of Texas, the Texas
Department of Transportation sends a certified copy of the judgement to
the official in charge of vehicle licenses and registrations.  As the law
stands, Mexico is not included on this list of places that the department
has the power to send a certified copy. 

PURPOSE

If a Mexican resident is involved in a accident and cannot show financial
responsibility within the allotted 61 days, then the Texas Department of
Transportation shall notify the official in charge of vehicle licenses and
registrations in Mexico of a judgement against the Mexican resident
arising from the vehicle accident. 

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 601.331(e), Transportation Code, by adding the
state of Mexico   to the list of places that the department shall send a
certified copy to the official   in charge of issuing drivers licenses and
vehicle registrations of a judgement that   names a resident of that state
or country. 

SECTION 2. The change only applies to judgements on or after the effective
date of this   bill.  All offenses before the effective date are subject
to the former law. 

SECTION 3. Effective September 1, 1997.

SECTION 4. EMERGENCY CLAUSE.