SRC-ARR C.S.H.B. 1147 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 1147
76R13212 WP-DBy: Seaman (Armbrister)
State Affairs
5/9/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law requires a red flag not less than 12 inches square to
be placed at the end of electric poles and pipes that are being transported
by truck. These flags are at times not visible and have caused accidents.
C.S.H.B.1147 would require reflectors and lamps to be placed on certain
vehicles with extended loads.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.H.B. 1147 requires lighting to be placed on certain
vehicles with extended loads. 

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 622.042, Transportation Code, as follows:

Sec. 622.042. New heading: TIME OF OPERATION; DISPLAY OF FLAG, CLOTH, OR
STROBE LIGHT. Requires a red flag or cloth not less than 12 inches square
or a strobe light to be displayed at the rear of the load carried on the
vehicle so that the light or the entire area of the flag or cloth is
visible to the driver of a vehicle approaching from the rear. 

SECTION 2. Amends section heading to Section 622.052, Transportation Code,
as follows: 

Sec. 622.052. New heading: TIME OF OPERATION; SPEED; LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 622.052(b), Transportation Code, to require a
vehicle to which this subchapter applies to display on the extreme end of
the load certain red reflectors and lamps. Deletes text regarding a red
flag.  

SECTION 3. Amends the section heading to Section 622.062, Transportation
Code, as follows: 

 Sec. 622.062.  New heading: TIME OF OPERATION; LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS.

SECTION 4. Amends Section 622.062(b), Transportation Code, to make
conforming changes.  

SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 1999.
                      Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 6. Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1. 

Amends Section 622.042, Transportation Code, to provide a new heading.
Requires a red flag or cloth not less than 12 inches square or a strobe
light to be displayed at the rear of the load carried on the vehicle so
that the light or the entire area of the flag or cloth is visible to the
driver  of a vehicle approaching from the rear.