H.B. 960 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 960
By: Smith, Todd
Transportation
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, a joint board may license taxicabs transporting
passengers to or from the airport and impose fees for issuing the
licenses.  There is no fee or penalty imposed on those who solicit or
engage in ground transportation business without a license.  House Bill
960 provides a penalty for a person that solicits or engages in ground
transportation business without a license. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

     H.B. 960 amends Subchapter D, Chapter 22 of the Transportation Code
by adding section 22.0815 as follows: 

(a) Provides that "ground transportation business" means the
transportation by motor  vehicle      of persons or baggage for
compensation. 

(b) Provides that a person commits an offense if, within the boundaries of
an airport operated       or controlled by a joint board for which the
constituent agencies are populous home-ruled      municipalities, the
person: 
  1. solicits ground transportation business without the permission of the
joint board, if required; or 
2. engages in ground transportation business without the permission of the
joint  board, if required. 

 (c) Provides that an offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.