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


Senate Research Center   S.B. 209
78R2745 JD-DBy: Carona
Infrastructure Development and Security
2/13/2003
As Filed


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.  As proposed, 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. 

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 DEVICES.

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 547.611(a), Transportation Code, to authorize a
vehicle to be equipped with a device that produces a video display
(including a television, video monitor, or any similar device), rather
than video receiving equipment, only if the display is not visible from
the operator's seat.  Makes conforming changes. 

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