SRC-MKV S.B. 1162 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1162 77R290 MI-DBy: Truan Natural Resources 3/18/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The 1991 Coastal Protection Act inadvertently removed the power of counties and municipalities to regulate vehicular traffic on sand dunes. Coastal sand dunes are critical for the protection of inland property and the maintenance of existing shorelines. Loss of sand dunes results in shoreline erosion, encroachment of the public beach easement onto private property, and conflicts over public and private rights. As proposed, S.B. 1162 makes operating a vehicle on sand dunes a traffic offense, enforceable by any traffic officer, except on a roadway designated by a subdivision of the state. 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 Chapter 750, Transportation Code, by adding Section 750.003, as follows: Sec. 750.003. OPERATION OF VEHICLE ON DUNE SEAWARD OF DUNE PROTECTION LINE PROHIBITED. (a) Defines "vehicle" to mean a device that is designed to transport persons or property and is self-propelled or propelled by external means. (b) Provides that a person commits an offense if the person operates a vehicle on a sand dune seaward of the dune protection line as defined by Section 63.012 (Location of Dune Protection Line), Natural Resources Code, except on a roadway designated by a subdivision of the state. (c) Provides that an offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2001.