SRC-TJG, MSY S.B. 209 78(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 209
By: Carona
Infrastructure Development and Security
8/18/2003
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, a motor vehicle may only be equipped with video
receiving equipment, such as a television, if the equipment is located so
that the video display is not visible from the operator's seat.  This
provision does not cover newer technology, such as videocassette players
or digital video disc players.  S.B. 209 adds digital video disc players
and  videocassette players to those devices that can be used in a motor
vehicle only if the equipment's video display is not visible from the
vehicle operator's seat.  In addition, S.B. 209 creates an exception for
video displays used to monitor equipment related to servicing natural gas,
water, or electric utilities. 

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 the heading of Section 547.611, Transportation Code, to
read as follows: 

Sec.  547.611.  USE OF CERTAIN VIDEO EQUIPMENT AND TELEVISION RECEIVERS.

SECTION 2.  Amends Sections 547.611(a) and (c), Transportation Code, as
follows:   

(a) Authorizes a motor vehicle to be equipped with video receiving
equipment, including a television, a digital video disc player, a
videocassette player or similar equipment, only if the display is not
visible from the operator's seat. 

(c)  Exempts equipment used exclusively for monitoring the performance of
equipment installed on a vehicle used for safety purposes in connection
with the operations of certain utilities.  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.
Makes application of this Act prospective.