TWT H.B. 2522 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS TRANSPORTATION H.B. 2522 By: Finnell 4-16-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND When a car is involved in an accident with a motorcycle, one of the major causes is that the driver of the car did not see the motorcycle. Aware of this problem, motorcycles built after the late 1970s are equipped with headlights which automatically come on when the motorcycle is started. However, there are motorcycles built before that time which are still in use on Texas roads. With the increase in vehicular traffic on Texas roads, it may become even more difficult to see motorcycles which do not have "automatic on" headlights. PURPOSE House Bill 2522 provides for increased motorcycle safety by requiring for the use of at least one headlamp while the motorcycle is being operated. 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 Section 547.801, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (d) to require the illumination of at least one headlamp during the operation of a motorcycle. Section 2. Effective date -- September 1, 1997. Section 3. Emergency clause.