SRC-JEC C.S.H.B. 1773 78(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.H.B. 1773 78R16379 JRJ-FBy: Smith, Wayne (Brimer) Intergovernmental Relations 5/20/2003 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST AND PURPOSE Junked vehicles, according to current law, are detrimental to the safety and welfare of the public, tend to lower the value of private property, invite vandalism, create fire hazards, create a hazard to the health and safety of minors, and cause urban blight. The Transportation Code contains provisions regarding junked vehicles, but the statutes do not allow municipalities to adopt ordinances to impose additional requirements regarding such vehicles. C.S.H.B. 1773 authorizes local governments to adopt ordinances to impose additional requirements regarding junked vehicles, and modifies the provision designating a junked vehicle a nuisance to specify that the vehicle be visible at any time of year from a public place or public right-of-way. 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 Subchapter E, Chapter 683, Transportation Code, by adding Section 683.0711, as follows: Sec. 683.0711. MUNICIPAL REQUIREMENTS. Authorizes an ordinance adopted by a governing body of a municipality to provide for a more inclusive definition of a junked vehicle subject to regulation under this subchapter. SECTION 2. Amends Section 683.072, Transportation Code, to specify that a junked vehicle visible at any time of year from a public place of public right-of-way is a nuisance, among other things. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003.