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.