SRC-TNM C.S.S.B. 343 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 343 By: Harris State Affairs 2-26-97 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST Currently, there have been inconsistencies in the establishment of speed limits for towable recreational vehicles (TRVs) on Texas highways. Because there is no definition of a TRV, these TRVs could be considered manufactured housing, which is not meant to be driven on highways, and is limited to a speed limit of 45 miles per hour. However, a towable recreational vehicle is a roadready recreational vehicle meant to be towed behind a motor vehicle. For these TRVs, the speed limit can be higher than 45 miles per hour. S.B. 343 creates the category of a towable recreational vehicle under the definition used in the Property Tax Code, Section 23.121(a)(14)(a-d). This distinguishes a TRV from a "house trailer," under Sec. 541.201(f)(5) of the Transportation Code. S.B. 343 highlights speed limits of towable recreational vehicles for certain areas. PURPOSE As proposed, C.S.S.B. 343 outlines provisions regarding speed limits for certain vehicles on public roads and highways. 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 541.201, Transportation Code, to define "towable recreational vehicle." Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Amends Section 545.352(b), Transportation Code, to set forth lawful speeds for a passenger car trailering a "vessel" as defined by Section 31.003(2), Parks and Wildlife Code, school buses outside an urban district and the daytime and nighttime lawful speeds for a vehicle towing a towable recreational vehicle of a certain weight and length. SECTION 3. (a) Provides that this Act conforms the Transportation Code to changes in law made by Section 1, Chapter 295, Acts of the 74th Legislature, Regular Session, 1995. (b) Provides that this Act prevails over another Act of the 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, relating to nonsubstantive additions and corrections in enacted codes, to the extent of any conflict. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 5. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES Amends SECTION 1, Section 541.201, Transportation Code, to amend the definition of "towable recreational vehicle." Amends SECTION 2, Section 545.352(b), Transportation Code, regarding lawful speed limits for certain passenger cars and a towable recreational vehicle.