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.