SRC-MWN H.B. 651 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 651
77R8096 MTB-DBy: King, Phil (Haywood)
Natural Resources
4/27/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is prohibited from being
operated on a public roadway but when crossing a public roadway is required
to cross as expeditiously as possible. H.B. 651 allows certain persons who
use ATVs to travel on public roadways in a safe and legal manner for
agriculture purposes as defined in the Agriculture Code. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 663.002(a), Transportation Code, to provide that
except as provided by Section 663.037, Chapter 521 does not apply to the
operation or ownership of an all-terrain vehicle registered for off-highway
operation. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 663.037, Transportation Code, by redesignating
existing Subsection (d) as Subsection (f) and adding new Subsections (d)
and (e), to read as follows: 

(d) Authorizes the operator of an all-terrain vehicle to drive the vehicle
on a public street, road, or highway that is not an interstate or
limited-access highway under certain situations. 

(e) Requires the director of the Department of Public Safety to adopt
standards and specifications that apply to the color, size, and mounting
position of the flag required under Subsection (d)(2). 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2001.