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.