SRC-AMY H.B. 1784 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1784 78R7579 DWS-DBy: McReynolds (West,Royce) Infrastructure Development and Security 5/20/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE People with disabilities who qualify for special license plates, placards, or international symbols of access for people with disabilities are allowed by law to park in designated parking spaces. Currently, Texas law prohibits a person from blocking designated parking space or curb ramps where people with disabilities travel from sidewalks to the parking lots or streets. Violation of this law may result in a fine that ranges from $250 to $500. H.B. 1784 provides that a person commits an offense if the person parks a vehicle so that it blocks an architectural improvement designed to aid persons with disabilities, including an access aisle or curb ramp. 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 681.011(c), Transportation Code, to provide that a person commits an offense if the person parks a vehicle so that it blocks an architectural improvement designed to aid persons with disabilities, including an access aisle or curb ramp. SECTION 2. (a) and (b) Make application of this Act prospective. Provides that an offense is committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurs before that date. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003.