HBA-MSH H.B. 2787 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2787 By: Geren Public Safety 3/28/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND 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. House Bill 2787 prohibits a public university from issuing a vehicle permit to a student who does not have a vehicle inspection certificate. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking authority is expressly delegated to the Department of Public Safety in SECTION 1 (Section 51.207, Education Code) of this bill. ANALYSIS House Bill 2787 amends the Education Code to prohibit a public institution of higher education from issuing a permit to a student of the institution for driving or parking a motor vehicle on institutional property (permit) unless the vehicle displays a current and appropriate inspection certificate. The bill authorizes an institution to provide a reasonable grace period for a new or returning student or a student who acquires a vehicle to have the vehicle inspected and obtain an inspection certificate for the vehicle. The bill requires the Department of Public Safety to adopt rules providing for the inspection of motor vehicles not registered in this state for the purpose of obtaining a permit. The bill authorizes a public institution of higher education rather than each institution to provide for the issuance and use of suitable vehicle identification insignia. EFFECTIVE DATE January 1, 2001.