SRC-MAX H.B. 2493 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2493
By: Maxey (Shapleigh)
State Affairs
5-16-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

The Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) require that a building or
facility occupied by a state agency involved in extending direct services
to persons with mobility impairments be required to have 20% of all
parking spaces be accessible to persons with mobility impairments.  The
standards do not designate which agencies meet these requirements.   

Currently, each time a state agency requests a building or facility, the
agency must notify the General Services Commission (GSC) or the Texas
Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) that the agency meets this
requirement.  This bill sets forth provisions regarding the accessibility
by persons with mobility impairments to buildings leased by or build for
the state.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2493 sets forth provisions regarding the accessibility
by persons with mobility impairments to buildings leased by or build for
the state.   

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 Section 5, Article 9102, V.T.C.S., by amending
Subsection (e) and adding Subsections (g) and (h), to delete a provision
requiring the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to
inspect each building that is subject to this article because of a lease
to the state during the first year of the lease. Provides that the
standards and specifications adopted by the commissioner of licensing and
regulation (commissioner) under this article that apply specifically to a
building or facility occupied by a state agency involved in extending
direct services to person with mobility impairments also apply to a
building or facility that is occupied by the Texas Rehabilitation
Commission.  Requires the commissioner to require complete compliance with
the standards and specifications prescribed or referenced by Subsection
(g) of this section. Sets forth provisions for TDLR and the General
Services Commission to ensure compliance with this section.  

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.