HBA-MPM, MPA H.B. 1359 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1359 By: Krusee Transportation 8/11/1999 Enrolled BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Prior to the 76th Legislature, residents of a master planned community could drive their golf carts to and from a golf course without having to register and insure their golf carts as they would an automobile. Residents of these communities would like to use their carts to travel to and from fitness centers and other amenities within their communities, as well as neighbors' homes without having to register and insure their carts. H.B. 1359 allows golf cart use within these access-restricted communities without current registration and insurance requirements. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 502.284(a), Transportation Code, to provide that an owner of a golf cart is not required to register the golf cart if, among other conditions, the operation does not exceed a distance of two miles driven to and from a golf course or occurs on a public or private beach. Deletes language limiting a golf cart owner's exemption from registration requirements to a cart that is only driven to and from a golf course. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 2.Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3.Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 4.Emergency clause.