JWW S.B. 526 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


PUBLIC SAFETY
S.B. 526
By: Patterson, Jerry (Allen)
4-28-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Currently, Texas law contains no provisions regarding changes made to
accident reports.  Under this system, police officers who are asked to
alter an accident report by a superior officer receive little protection.
This legislation allows an accident report to be altered only by the peace
officer or person who prepared the report, except if the change is made by
a written supplement to the report indicating the name of the person who
originated the change, in an attempt to provide more security for police
officers.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 526 establishes the procedure for making a change to an
accident report.  

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 Subchapter D, Chapter 550, Transportation Code, by
adding Section 550.068.  CHANGING ACCIDENT REPORT.    
  
 (a) A change made to a motor vehicle accident report may be modified only
by the peace officer or person submitting the report.   
  
 (b)  Anyone other than the peace officer may change or modify a written
accident  report, but any change must be contained in a written supplement
to the report which clearly states the name of the person who made the
change. 

SECTION 2. Effective Date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency Clause.