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.