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schedule for these records is 18 months, after which any vehicle inspection information contained on the records is no longer maintained.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.