SRC-JEC H.B. 996 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 996
77R9582 JD-FBy: Coleman (Ellis)
Intergovernmental Relations
4/27/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current law prohibits a parking facility owner or towing company from
removing a vehicle from a public roadway unless such a removal is directed
by a peace officer or the owner or operator of the vehicle. Under this
arrangement, a vehicle in the street that is immobilized by a wheel boot
can hinder traffic until an officer is called to authorize the vehicle's
removal. H.B. 996 gives municipalities the option to designate a municipal
employee to immobilize a vehicle parked in the municipality and remove a
vehicle from a public roadway. 

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 684.054, Transportation Code, to authorize an
employee designated by a municipality, under an ordinance regulating the
parking of vehicles in the municipality, to immobilize a vehicle parked in
the municipality and to remove an immobilized vehicle from a public roadway
in the municipality. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.