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.