SRC-HRD H.B. 2138 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2138 By: Hawley (Cain) International Relations, Trade & Technology 4-28-97 Engrossed DIGEST Federal law currently provides that commercial motor vehicles may be equipped with either reflectors or reflective tape, whereas Texas law only permits the use of reflectors. It has been determined that reflective tape offers improved visibility at night. This bill would require vehicle lighting, reflective devices and associated equipment to comply with federal standards either as they currently exist or as they existed at the time the vehicle was manufactured. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2138 requires vehicle lighting, reflective devices and associated equipment to comply with federal standards either as they currently exist or as they existed at the time the vehicle was manufactured. 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 Chapter 547E, Transportation Code, by adding Section 547.3215, as follows: Sec. 547.3215. USE OF FEDERAL STANDARD. Requires lighting, reflective devices, and associated equipment on a vehicle or motor vehicle, unless specifically prohibited by this chapter, to comply with the current federal standards in 49 C.F.R. Section 571.108 or the federal standards in that section in effect, if any, at the time the vehicle or motor vehicle was manufactured. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.