SRC-BWC S.B. 113 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 113
77R1908 DWS-FBy: Moncrief
Jurisprudence
2/23/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas law requires all children between the ages of four and 15
to wear a seatbelt while riding in a car or light truck.  As proposed, S.B.
113 increases the age from 15 to 17, regarding the requirement for
passengers anywhere in the vehicle to wear a safety belt.  

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 545.412(a) and (f), Transportation Code, by
providing that a person commits an offense if the person operates a
passenger vehicle, rather than a car or light truck, and transports a child
younger than four years of age under certain conditions.  Defines
"passenger vehicle," "safety belt," and "secured."  Makes nonsubstantive
changes.   

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 545.413(a)-(c), and (h), Transportation Code, by
providing that a person commits an offense if the person allows a child who
is at least four years of age but younger than 17, rather than 15, years of
age to ride in the vehicle without requiring the child to be secured in a
safety belt, providing that the occupied seat is equipped with a safety
belt.  Deletes the definition of "passenger car" and "safety belt."  Makes
conforming  changes. 

SECTION 3.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4.  Effective date:  September 1, 2001.