SRC-BWC C.S.S.B. 1575 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1575
77R12448 MTB-DBy: Gallegos
State Affairs
4-18-2001
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, when a motor vehicle accident occurs on a state highway, the
Department of Transportation (TXDOT) is responsible for contracting with a
tow truck or a recovery service company in order to either repair or remove
a disabled vehicle from the road.  TXDOT is required to select a towing
company based on a competitive pricing and is not allowed to consider the
company's reputation, equipment, or experience when making a selection.
C.S.S.B. 1575 authorizes TXDOT to contract with one or more private
businesses to facilitate the removal of motor vehicles blocking roadways in
a more expedient manner. 

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 472B, Transportation Code, by adding Section
472.015, as follows: 

Sec. 472.015.  CONTRACTS FOR THE REMOVAL OF PROPERTY.  Authorizes the
Department of Transportation (department), in contracting with a private
business for the removal of personal property from the right-of-way or
roadway of the state highway system, to use a purchasing method described
in Chapter 2156 (Purchasing Methods), Government Code; include the removal
work in a contract entered into under Chapter 223; or select a business
based on an evaluation of the experience of the business and the quality of
the business's equipment and services. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.



SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Differs from As Filed version in SECTION 1 by replacing proposed text with
new text regarding contracts for the removal of property.   

Differs from As Filed in SECTION 2 by adding a new effective clause.