SRC-JBJ H.B. 2541 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2541
76R7730 DWS-DBy: Hupp (Haywood)
State Affairs
5/13/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation has the authority to
lower speed limits in construction zones and double the traffic fines for
violations of those speed limits.  Because of the reduced speed limit and
increased fines, drivers should be notified of exactly where the
construction zone begins and ends.  H.B. 2541 would redefine "construction
or maintenance work zone" to state that such a zone must have signs
indicating where the zone begins and ends. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2541 redefines "construction or maintenance work zone"
regarding traffic offenses. 

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 472.022(e)(2), Transportation Code, to redefine
"construction or maintenance work zone" to include a portion of a highway
or street that is marked by signs indicating that it is a construction or
maintenance work zone and indicating where the zone begins and ends. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.Emergency clause.