SRC-SEW H.B. 674 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 674
77R7964 MTB-DBy: Elkins (Lindsay)
Intergovernmental Relations
5/10/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, vehicles are prohibited from parking on a sidewalk. Some
houses are situated such that there is not enough room to park in the
driveway without blocking the sidewalk. This is especially a problem for
corner lots where the garage is located on the side of the house. H.B. 674
authorizes the governing body of a municipality or county to adopt an
ordinance or order to authorize an operator to stop, stand, or park a
vehicle on a portion of a sidewalk that extends across a driveway, under
certain conditions.  

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 545.302, Transportation Code, by adding
Subsection (h), to authorize the governing body of a municipality or
county, if the body determines that it is necessary, to adopt an ordinance
or order allowing an operator to stop, stand, or park a passenger car or
light truck on a portion of a sidewalk that extends across a private
driveway under certain conditions.  Provides that, to the extent of any
conflict between the ordinance or order and Subsection (a)(2), the
ordinance or order prevails. 
 
SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.