SRC-MAX H.B. 1166 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1166
By: Garcia (Lucio)
Intergovernmental Relations
5-12-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the state's larger municipalities place restrictions on the
insurance companies which may be used by taxicab companies within their
jurisdictions.  There are concerns that small to midsized taxicab
companies are being treated unfairly by the state with respect to these
insurance restrictions. This bill regulates municipal requirements for
taxicab insurance.      

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1166 sets forth provisions regarding municipal
regulations concerning insurance for taxicabs. 

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 215.004, Local Government Code, by redesignating
Subsection (c) as Subsection (f) and amending that subsection, and by
adding new Subsections (c)-(e), to require insurance required for a
taxicab under an ordinance adopted under Subsection (b) to be obtained
from a reliable insurance company authorized to do business in this state
in certain circumstances. Authorizes a municipality to find that an
insurance company does not comply with an ordinance adopted under
Subsection (b) only if certain conditions are fulfilled.  Authorizes a
municipality to require a written certification that the insurance company
has reinsurance for which credit may be taken, in certain circumstances.
Prohibits a municipality from regulating passenger taxicab transportation
services with respect to an insurance company insuring a taxicab in the
municipality. Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.