SRC-MAX S.B. 1170 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1170
By: Lindsay
State Affairs
4-8-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the initial inspection period for new vehicles is two years.
Thereafter, a vehicle must be inspected every year.  There are concerns
that these inspections are unnecessary because it is extremely rare that
new vehicles develop safety problems within the first several years.  This
bill extends the initial safety inspection period from two years to three
years for a new passenger car or light truck. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1170 establishes certain time periods and costs for the
initial inspection periods for certain vehicles. 

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 548.102, Transportation Code, as follows:

Sec.  548.102.  New heading:  INITIAL INSPECTION PERIOD FOR PASSENGER CAR
OR LIGHT TRUCK.    Provides that the initial inspection period is three,
rather than two, years for a passenger car or light truck under certain
conditions. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 548.503, Transportation Code, as follows:

Sec.  548.503.  New heading:  INITIAL INSPECTION OF PASSENGER CAR OR LIGHT
TRUCK.  Provides that the fee for inspection of a passenger car or light
truck under Section 548.102 is $25.25, rather than $19.75.  Requires the
Department of Public Safety to require an inspection station to make an
advance payment of $20.25, rather than $14.75, for a certificate to be
issued under this section.   

SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4. Effective date:  September 1, 1997.
  
SECTION 5. Emergency clause.