SRC-ARR S.B. 155 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 155 76R3035 SMH-DBy: Lindsay State Affairs 3/3/1999 Committee Report (Amended) DIGEST Currently, Texas law does not provide a limit on the amount charged for parking in connection with a special event, or require a notice of the parking charge to be posted. Persons are being charged an outstanding amount for parking without notice before parking. S.B. 155 would require a parking facility owner to post a conspicuous sign if the parking charge more than doubles the normal rate for a special event. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 155 provides a limitation on the amount charged for parking in connection with a special event; creates an offense. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. Defines "parking facility," "parking facility owner," "vehicle," and "special event." SECTION 2. LIMITATION OF PARKING CHARGE IN CONNECTION WITH SPECIAL EVENT. Prohibits a parking facility owner from charging for parking a vehicle in the parking facility in connection with a special event an amount that is more than two times the amount computed using the rate that is normally charged for parking a vehicle in the facility on that day of the week and at that time. Provides that this section does not apply to public institutions of higher education as defined in Section 61.003, Education Code. SECTION 3. OFFENSE. Provides that a person commits a Class C misdemeanor if the person violates SECTION 2 of this Act. Sets forth a defense for prosecution under this section. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 5. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 2. Adds a sentence to SECTION 2 to provide that this section does not apply to public institutions of higher education as defined in Section 61.003, Education Code.