SRC-AMY S.B. 345 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 345
By: Ogden
Infrastructure Development and Security
8/5/2003
Enrolled

DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas law regulating window tinting does not combine the tint
already incorporated by the vehicle manufacturer with the window tint
applied after the purchase of a vehicle, to determine compliance with the
law.  Therefore, law enforcement and state inspectors can not accurately
determine the total percentage of window tinting.  In addition, the
current law exempts motor vehicles manufactured  before 1988 from all
state laws governing window tinting.  S.B. 345 changes the current law to
allow measurement of the light transmission or reflectance of the window
tint in combination with the manufacture tinted window.  This bill also
removes the exemption for motor vehicles manufactured before 1988. 

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 Sections 547.613(b) and (c), Transportation Code, as
follows: 

(b) Decreases from 33 percent or more to 25 percent or more the minimum
required light transmission and the minimum required luminous reflectance
of a windshield with a sunscreening device that is in combination with the
windshield.  Redefines the list of items not covered by this section to
include a blue sunscreening device and a wing vent or a window other than
a windshield if the vent or window has a sunscreening device that in
combination with the vent or window has certain characteristics.  Includes
in the list of items not covered by this section a window that complies
with federal standards for window materials, including a factory-tinted or
a pretinted window installed by the vehicle manufacturer, or a replacement
window meeting certain specifications.  Deletes language referring to a
motor vehicle with a manufacturer's model year before 1988. Makes
nonsubstantive changes. 

 (c)  Makes a conforming change.

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.