SRC-MWN H.B. 651 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterH.B. 651 By: King, Phil (Haywood) Natural Resources 5/2/2001 Committee Report (Amended) 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. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 2. Adds a new subdivision to Subsection (d) regarding the operation of an all-terrain vehicle.