H.B. 1784 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 1784
By: McReynolds
Transportation
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under Section 681.011 of the Transportation Code, it is an offense if a
vehicle without a disabled parking placard or special license plate is
parked in a manner that blocks a parking space designated specifically for
persons with a disability.  The law also includes areas such as a curb
ramp.  It inadvertently does not include access aisles.  HB 1784 extends
the offense to incorporate blocking an access aisle.  These aisles are
areas designated for persons with physical disabilities to exit or enter a
vehicle equipped with side lifts that "unfold" into the aisle for
wheelchair accessability.   

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

Section One:  681.011 Offenses; Presumption 

Section 681.011 (c) amended by adding "aisle" to the last sentence of the
subsection.  In effect, the access aisle would be included in protection
from vehicle blockage by enforcement of the subsection.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage, the Act takes effect September 1, 2003, any offense
committed on or after the effective date will be applied to the Act.