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.