JWW H.B. 1664 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS PUBLIC SAFETY H.B. 1664 By: Oliveira 3-25-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Currently there is no law that makes it a crime to remove, destroy, or conceal signs that warn of potential hazards. This can create a problem when a potential buyer is looking at a piece of land to buy, they may not know of the hazards that lie below the ground. A prime example of this is farm land, located near an energy plant, that is to be turned into residential use. PURPOSE To create a class B misdemeanor for the removal, damage, or intentional concealment of a sign or maker that gives the location of certain underground facilities. 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. (a) anyone removing, damages, or intentionally conceals a marker or sign regarding the location of an underground pipeline, electric transmission line, telegraph or telephone line, or other facility potentially hazardous to public health; and the marker or sign provides notice of penalty for the offense. (b) this offense is a class B misdemeanor. SECTION 2. EMERGENCY CLAUSE