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.