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.