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.