AN ACT
 1-1     relating to a limitation on the amount charged for parking in
 1-2     connection with a special event; creating an offense.
 1-3           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-4           SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS.  In this Act:
 1-5                 (1)  "Parking facility," "parking facility owner," and
 1-6     "vehicle" have the meanings assigned by Section 684.001,
 1-7     Transportation Code.
 1-8                 (2)  "Special event" includes a sporting event,
 1-9     convention, concert, exhibit, parade, or political rally.
1-10           SECTION 2.  LIMITATION OF PARKING CHARGE IN CONNECTION WITH
1-11     SPECIAL EVENT.  A parking facility owner may not charge for parking
1-12     a vehicle in the parking facility in connection with a special
1-13     event an amount that is more than two times the amount computed
1-14     using the rate that is normally charged for parking a vehicle in
1-15     the facility on that day of the week and at that time.  This
1-16     section does not apply to institutions of higher education or
1-17     private or independent institutions of higher education as defined
1-18     in Section 61.003, Education Code.
1-19           SECTION 3.  OFFENSE.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the
1-20     person violates Section 2 of this Act.
1-21           (b)  An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
1-22           (c)  It is a defense to prosecution under this section that
1-23     the parking facility owner posted a conspicuous sign at least two
1-24     feet wide and two feet high at the entrance to the parking facility
 2-1     stating:
 2-2                 (1)  in print at least six inches in height, the rate
 2-3     that is normally charged for parking a vehicle in the facility; and
 2-4                 (2)  in print at least six inches in height, the rate
 2-5     that is charged for parking a vehicle in the facility in connection
 2-6     with a special event.
 2-7           SECTION 4.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act takes effect September
 2-8     1, 1999.
 2-9           SECTION 5.  EMERGENCY.  The importance of this legislation
2-10     and the crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
2-11     emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
2-12     constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
2-13     days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.
         _______________________________     _______________________________
             President of the Senate              Speaker of the House
               I hereby certify that S.B. No. 155 passed the Senate on
         March 24, 1999, by a viva-voce vote; and that the Senate concurred
         in House amendment on May 28, 1999, by a viva-voce vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Secretary of the Senate
               I hereby certify that S.B. No. 155 passed the House, with
         amendment, on May 26, 1999, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House
         Approved:
         _______________________________
                     Date
         _______________________________
                   Governor