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.