SRC-JJJ H.B. 1575 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1575 76R13299 DRH-DBy: Maxey (Barrientos) Intergovernmental Relations 5/12/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, Texas law prohibits "double parking." Activities such as valet parking and loading and unloading goods sometimes require double parking. The result has been that police must make judgment calls when they see these activities, and employees are unsure whether and how to carry out their job duties. Since many activities relating to downtown businesses require double parking, police often are placed in the position of having to enforce the law on a case-by-case basis. H.B. 1575 would establish conditions regarding double parking in a central business district. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1575 establishes conditions regarding double parking in a central business district. 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 545.302, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (g), to authorize the governing body of a municipality, if it is deemed necessary for the economic development of a municipality's central business district and will not adversely affect public safety, to adopt an ordinance regulating standing, stopping, and parking of a vehicle at a place described by Subsection (a)(1) in the central business district. Provides that to the extent of any conflict between the ordinance and Subsection (a)(1), the ordinance controls. SECTION 2.. Amends Section 545.303, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (e), to provide that to the extent of any conflict between Subsection (a) or (b) and a municipal ordinance adopted under Section 545.302(g), the ordinance controls. SECTION 3. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.