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.