SRC-TAG S.B. 193 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center
S.B. 193 
By: Barrientos
Infrastructure Development and Security
7/1/2003
Enrolled

DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, under Texas law there are no guidelines or penalties relating
to vehicles passing certain stationary emergency vehicles on a highway.
S.B. 193  requires that vehicles attempt to move if possible or reduce and
maintain a safe speed while passing an emergency vehicle.  This bill also
establishes penalties for violations of this law.  

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.  Authorizes this Act to be cited as the Move Over Act.

SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 545, Transportation Code, by
adding Section 545.157, as follows: 

Sec. 545.157. PASSING AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE. (a) Requires an
operator approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using
visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702,
unless otherwise directed by a police officer, to take certain actions.  

(b) Establishes that a violation of this section is a misdemeanor
punishable under Section 542.401; a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of
$500 if the violation results in property damage; or a Class B misdemeanor
if the violation results in bodily injury. 

(c)  Authorizes the actor, if conduct constituting an offense under this
section also constitutes an offense under another section of this code or
the Penal Code, to be prosecuted under either section or under both
sections. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003.