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.