SRC-AXB H.B. 856 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 856 76R1758 WP-DBy: Lewis, Ron (Bernsen) Natural Resources 5/4/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, individuals engaged in postal services duties and newspaper delivery services are provided with a defense to prosecution for failing to wear a safety belt. H.B. 856 also exempts a utility company employee engaged in certain duties from being subject to the safety belt law. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 856 exempts a utility company employee engaged in certain duties from being subject to the safety belt law. 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 545.413(e), Transportation Code, to provide that it is a defense to prosecution that the person is a public or private utility company employee engaged in a duty requiring frequent exit and entry of a vehicle. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3.Emergency clause.