SRC-JXG H.B. 2794 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2794
76R6889 JD-FBy: Gutierrez (Wentworth)
State Affairs
5/13/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

The  Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) enforces vehicle safety
inspection procedures and retains vehicle inspection information.  The
management of vehicle data and reporting and monitoring functions are done
manually, which is extremely time consuming and labor intensive for DPS and
the inspection station.  Additionally, the retention schedule for these
records is 18 months, after which any vehicle inspection information
contained on the records is no longer maintained. H.B. 2794 would require
DPS to automate the data collection process, and would authorize DPS to
charge participating inspection stations a transferable fee for assisting
DPS in automation. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2794 requires the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
to automate the data collection process, and authorizes DPS to charge
participating inspection stations a transferable fee for assisting DPS in
automation. 

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 Chapter 548A, Transportation Code, by adding Section
548.006, as follows: 

Sec. 548.006.  AUTOMATION OF INSPECTION PROCEDURES.  Requires the Texas
Department of Public Safety (DPS) to develop and administer procedures to
automate the compulsory motor vehicle inspection system under this chapter.
Authorizes DPS to require the applicant to participate in the automated
inspection system, as a condition of certifying a location as an inspection
station under this chapter.  Requires the automated inspection system
developed by DPS to include a password security protection for each
inspector who accesses the system.  Authorizes DPS to require the applicant
to agree to certain requirements, as a condition of certifying a person as
an inspector under this chapter. 

SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 548H, Transportation Code, by adding Section
548.508, as follows: 

Sec. 548.508.  FEES FOR AUTOMATED INSPECTION SYSTEM.  Sets forth certain
fees for the automated inspection system.  Authorizes DPS to use fees
collected under Subsection (a)(1) only for the development and
administration of the automated inspection system under Section 548.006. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.