SRC-JXG H.B. 932 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 932 76R9194 DWS-DBy: Hawley (Shapleigh) State Affairs 5/10/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, Texas law requires a car or light truck towing a trailer, semitrailer, or house trailer to use safety chains attached to the towing vehicle as a secondary safety device in case the primary bar were to disconnect; however, there is no such requirement for a car or light truck towing another motor vehicle. H.B. 932 would prohibit a car or light truck from drawing another motor vehicle without using towing safety chains. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 932 prohibits a car or light truck from drawing another motor vehicle without using towing safety chains. 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 Sections 545.410(a), (b), and (d), Transportation Code, as follows: (a) Prohibits an operator of a passenger car or light truck from drawing a trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or another motor vehicle unless safety chains of a type approved by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are attached in a manner approved by TxDOT from the trailer, semitrailer, house trailer, or drawn motor vehicle to the drawing vehicle. Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes. (b) Requires TxDOT to adopt rules prescribing the type of safety chains required to be used according to the weight of the motor vehicle being drawn. Makes conforming and nonsubstantive changes. (d) Makes a conforming and nonsubstantive change. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.