SRC-VRA H.B. 1997 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 1997
By: Gutierrez (Armbrister)
Intergovernmental Relations
5/10/2003
Engrossed

DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, an Electric Personal Assistance Mobility Device (EPAMD) is not
authorized to travel on certain thoroughfares and walkways.  H.B. 1997
legalizes the operation of an EPAMD on certain thoroughfares, pathways,
and walkways.  

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 F, Chapter 502, Transportation Code, by
adding Section 502.2862, as follows: 

Sec.  502.2862.  ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES.  Provides
that the owner of an electric personal assistive mobility device, as
defined by Section 551.201, is not required to register the electric
personal assistive mobility device. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 541.201(11), Transportation Code, to redefine
"motor vehicle." 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 547.001(7), Transportation Code, to redefine
"slow-moving vehicle." 

SECTION 4.  Amends Section 551.001, Transportation Code, to make a
conforming change. 

SECTION 5.  Amends Chapter 551, Transportation Code, by adding Subchapter
C, as follows: 

SUBCHAPTER C.  ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES

 Sec.  551.201.  DEFINITIONS.  Defines "electric personal assistive
mobility device." 

Sec.  551.202.  OPERATION ON ROADWAY.  (a)  Authorizes a person to operate
an electric personal assistive mobility device on a roadway with a speed
limit of 30 miles per hour or less, in certain circumstances. 

(b)  Authorizes a person to operate an electric personal assistive
mobility device on a path set aside for the exclusive operation of
bicycles. 

(c)  Requires any person operating an electric personal assistive mobility
device on a highway to ride as close as practicable to the right-hand edge
of the highway. 

(d)  Provides that, except as otherwise provided this section, provisions
of this title applicable to the operation of bicycles apply to the
operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices.  

Sec.  551.203.  SIDEWALKS.  Authorizes a person to operate an electric
personal assistive mobility device on a sidewalk.  

 SECTION 6.  Amends Section 601.002(5), Transportation Code, to redefine
"motor vehicle." 

SECTION 7.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.