TWT H.B. 2138 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


TRANSPORTATION
H.B. 2138
By: Hawley
4-5-97
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND 

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. 

PURPOSE

C.S.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

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 Subchapter E, Chapter 547, Transportation Code, by
adding Section 547.3215 which requires lighting, reflective devices and
other associated equipment to comply with current federal standards or
with federal standards in effect at the time the vehicle was manufactured. 

SECTION 2. Effective Date -- September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency Clause.


COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

SECTION 1 of the original was removed. The substitute adds Sec. 547.3215
which requires lighting, reflective devices and other associated equipment
to comply with current federal standards or with federal standards in
effect at the time the vehicle was manufactured. The federal standard
referenced in the original is the same referenced in the substitute. 

SECTION 2 of the original was removed. Remaining sections renumbered
accordingly.