SRC-LBB, AMY S.B. 193 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 193
78R3123 MTB-FBy: Barrientos
Infrastructure Development & Security
2/6/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, under Texas law there are no guidelines or penalties relating
to vehicles passing certain stationary emergency vehicles on a highway.
As proposed, S.B. 193 would require that vehicles attempt to move if
possible or reduce and maintain a safe speed while passing an emergency
vehicle. This bill provides that a violation resulting in bodily injury or
property damage is a Class A misdemeanor. 

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 Chapter 545D, 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 its
flashing lights, on a two-lane or wider highway, to safely change lanes
away from the vehicle or to reduce his or her speed accordingly if unable
to change lanes. 

(b) Establishes a violation of this section resulting in bodily injury or
property damage as a Class A misdemeanor. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2003.