SRC-JJJ H.B. 2920 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2920 By: Pitts (Cain) State Affairs 5/13/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Under federal law, all motorcycles manufactured for sale in the United States after 1980 are required to have a headlight that automatically turns on when the motorcycle is started. Under current Texas law, all motorcycles operated on Texas roads must have the headlight turned on during the day as well as at night. The law exempts motorcycles that were manufactured in England before 1975 due to the fact that many older British bikes have unreliable electrical systems. However, some individuals believe such an exemption would also benefit other older motorcycles. H.B. 2920 exempts all motorcycles manufactured before 1975 from the statute which prohibits operating a motorcycle unless at least one headlamp is illuminated. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2920 would establish provisions regarding the operation of a motorcycle on a public street or highway. 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 547.801(d), Transportation Code, to prohibit a motorcycle from being operated at any time unless at least one headlamp on the motorcycle is illuminated. Provides that this subsection does not apply to motorcycles manufactured before the model year 1975, rather than to motorcycles manufactured in England before the model year 1975. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.