SRC-JFA H.B. 1664 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1664
By: Oliveira (Lucio)
Criminal Justice
5-15-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currenlty, signs and markers indicating potentially hazardous underground
pipelines and facilities including powers and telephone lines, are often
destroyed or concealed by iniquitous parties.  This practice can result in
a buyer of real property being unaware of a potential hazard underneath
land. This potential problem arises when farm land surrounding industrial
area plants is converted from agricultural to residential use.  This bill
would create a criminal penalty for the removal, damage or intentional
concealment of signs or markers giving information about the location of
certain underground facilities.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1664 creates a criminal penalty for the removal, damage
or intentional concealment of signs or markers giving information about
the location of certain undergournd facilties.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Provides that a person commits a Class B misdemeanor if the
person without authorization from the owner or operator of the facility
intentionally removes, damages, or conceals a marker or sign giving
information about the location of an underground pipeline, electric
transmission line, telegraph or telephone line, or other facility that is
potentially hazardous to the public health or safety; and the marker or
sign gives notice of the penalty for intentional removal, damage, or
concealment of the marker or sign.   

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.