SRC-AMY H.B. 849 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 849 78R7501 JRJ-DBy: Talton (Jackson) Business & Commerce 4/24/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, Harris County requires that all lamps used on a tow truck be amber in color. There is no state regulation of the color of mounted light bars or auxiliary lamps. Manufacturers install the auxiliary stop and tail lamps for safety purposes. H.B. 849 allows tow trucks to retain auxiliary stop and tail lamps on their vehicles. 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 545.306(a), Transportation Code, to prohibit a tow truck ordinance in a county with a population of 3.3 million or more from regulating or restricting the use of lighting equipment more than the extent allowed by state and federal law. SECTION 2. Amends Section 643.201(a), Transportation Code, to include the exception that a political subdivision is prohibited from issuing a more restrictive regulation for the use of lighting equipment on a tow truck than is imposed by this title. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003.