SRC-JBJ S.B. 777 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 777
77R4485 JAT-FBy: Barrientos
State Affairs
3/5/2001
As Filed


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 current 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.  As proposed, S.B. 777 provides that for a
person with a mobility impairment caused by a disorder of the foot, the
certification necessary for a disabled parking placard may be provided by
the treating podiatrist or a physician. 

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 681.003, Transportation Code, by amending
Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (e), to set forth, subject to
Subsection (e), the requirements for the first application for a disabled
parking placard.  Authorizes the notarized written statement or written
prescription required by Subsection (c) to be issued by a person licensed
to practice podiatry in this state or a state adjacent to this state if a
first application for permit under this section is made by or on behalf of
a person with a mobility problem caused by a disorder of the foot.  Defines
"podiatry" in this subsection. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.