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.