SRC-JRN H.B. 3092 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3092 By: Jones, Jesse (Cain) State Affairs 5-16-97 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, a school district or county is not required to provide transportation for children living within a two mile radius of the school the children attend and these children often use public transportation to and from school. The school district or county is authorized to petition the commissioner of education for funds to transport children living in a hazardous condition. Current hazardous conditions along some public transortation routes have caused parents and school officials to be concerned for the children's safety. This bill requires public transportation, acquired on or after September 1, 1997, to have certain safety equipment. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 3092 requires public transportation, acquired on or after September 1, 1997, to have certain safety equipment. 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 547L, Transportation Code, by adding Section 547.7011, as follows: Sec. 547.7011. ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR OTHER BUSES. Requires a bus, other than a school bus, that provides public transportation and that was acquired on or after September 1, 1997, to be equipped with two or more hazard lamps that meet certain requirements. Requires an operator of a bus to which this section applies to activate the hazard lamps if the bus stops to load or unload a person under 18 years of age. Requires a bus to which this section applies to bear a sign on the rear of the bus stating: "Caution--children may be exiting." SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.