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.