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.