SRC-JBJ S.B. 777 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 777 By: Barrientos State Affairs 5/30/2001 Enrolled DIGEST AND PURPOSE Podiatrists practicing in Texas are authorized to treat the human foot by any means, including surgery and the use of prescription drugs, and often treat patients who have mobility problems which substantially impair their ability to walk. Under Texas law, however, a person making an application for a disabled parking placard must obtain a separate written statement from a physician certifying that the applicant is legally blind or has a mobility impairment. S.B. 777 provides that for a person with a mobility impairment caused by a disorder of the foot, the written statement or prescription necessary for a disabled parking placard application may be issued by a podiatrist. 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 502.253, Transportation Code, by amending Subsection (e) and adding Subsection (i), to make Subsection (e) subject to Subsection (i). Authorizes the written statement required by Subsection (e), if a first application for registration under this section is made by or on behalf of a person with a mobility problem caused by a disorder of the foot, to be issued by a person licensed to practice podiatry in this state or a state adjacent to this state. Defines "podiatry." SECTION 2. Amends Section 681.001, Transportation Code, by amending Subdivision (5) and adding Subdivision (6), to redefine "mobility problem that substantially impairs a person's ability to ambulate" and define "podiatry." SECTION 3. Amends Section 681.003, Transportation Code, by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (e), to authorize the notarized written statement or written prescription required by Subsection (c), if a first application for a disabled parking placard under this section is made by or on behalf of a person with a mobility problem caused by a disorder of the foot, to be issued by a person licensed to practice podiatry in this state or a state adjacent to this state. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2001.