SRC-MSY C.S.S.B. 209 78(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 209 By: Carona Infrastructure Development and Security 3/4/2003 Committee Report (Substituted) 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. C.S.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, C.S.S.B. 209 creates an exception for video displayed used to monitor equipment used to service 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. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES In SECTION 1: Changes the proposed text for the heading of Section 547.611. In SECTION 2: Changes language describing permitted equipment to "digital video disc player, a videocassette player, or similar equipment." Adds Subsection (c)(1)(D) regarding video displays in vehicles used for certain purposes.