SRC-MKV H.B. 2787 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2787 77R11647 JSA-DBy: Geren (Brown, J.E. "Buster") Natural Resources 5/7/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE In 1999, there were approximately 41,000 non-resident students enrolled in public universities in Texas, many of whom own vehicles registered in other states. Currently, there is no requirement for an owner of a vehicle registered in another state to obtain a Texas vehicle inspection certificate while temporarily residing in Texas. Therefore, the state has no means to determine if these vehicle conform to Texas safety and environmental standards. H.B. 2787 prohibits certain public universities from issuing a vehicle permit to a student whose vehicle has not passed the vehicle emissions inspection. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Public Safety Commission in SECTION 1 (Section 51.207, Education Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 51.207, Education Code, as follows: Sec. 51.207. New heading: VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION INSIGNIA; VEHICLE PERMITS. (a) Makes conforming changes. (b) Provides that this subsection applies only to a public institution of higher education campus that is located in whole or part in an area in which a motor vehicle registered in the area is required to undergo a vehicle emissions inspection under Chapter 548F, Transportation Code. Prohibits the institution from issuing a permit to a student of the institution for driving or parking a motor vehicle that is not registered in this state on institutional property unless the vehicle displays a current and appropriate inspection certificate issued under Chapter 548F, Transportation Code, indicating that the vehicle has passed the required vehicle emissions inspection. Authorizes an institution to provide a reasonable grace period for a new or returning student or a student who acquires a vehicle to comply with this subsection. Provides that this subsection does not apply to a motor vehicle of a type that is not covered by the vehicle emissions testing requirement applicable to the area in which the institution campus is located. (c) Requires the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules providing for the inspection under Chapter 548F, Transportation Code, of motor vehicles not registered in this state for purposes of Subsection (b). (d) Provides that this subsection applies only to a public institution of higher education campus that is not covered by Subsection (b). Prohibits the institution from issuing a permit to a student of the institution for driving or parking a motor vehicle on institutional property unless the institution provides written notice to the student that failure to register the vehicle in this state or to display a current and appropriate inspection certificate issued under Chapter 548, Transportation Code, may violate state law if the owner of the vehicle resides in this state. SECTION 2. (a) Effective date: September 1, 2001, except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section. (b) Provides that Section 51.207(b), Education Code, as added by this Act, takes effect January 1, 2002. (c) Provides that Sections 51.207(b) and (d), Education Code, as added by this Act, do not affect the validity of a permit for driving or parking a vehicle on property of an institution of higher education issued by the institution before January 1, 2002.