SRC-JBJ H.B. 2230 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2230
77R11023 JD-FBy: McReynolds (Ogden)
Criminal Justice
5/10/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, there is a conflict in the Transportation Code regarding certain
accident reports filed with the Department of Public Safety (DPS).  Under
one provision, a peace officer who is notified of a motor vehicle accident
with damages to an apparent extent of at least $500 may investigate the
accident and file justifiable charges relating to the accident, while under
another provision, enforcement action by DPS is restricted to those cases
with reported damage of an amount that is at least $1,000.  H.B. 2230
amends various provisions to set the applicable minimum estimated costs of
damages at $1,000.  

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 550.041(a), Transportation Code, to authorize a
peace officer who is notified of a motor vehicle accident resulting in
injury to or death of a person or property damage to an apparent extent of
at least $1,000, rather than $500, to investigate the accident and file
justifiable charges relating to the accident without regard to whether the
accident occurred on property to which this chapter applies. 
 
SECTION 2.  Amends Section 550.061(a), Transportation Code, to make a
conforming change. 
 
SECTION 3.  Amends Section 550.062(a), Transportation Code, to make a
conforming change. 
 
SECTION 4.  Amends Section 601.004(a), Transportation Code, to make a
conforming change. 
 
SECTION 5.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.
            Makes application of this Act prospective.