S.B. 345 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 345
By: Ogden
Transportation
 Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 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

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Sections 547.613(b) and (c), Transportation Code, as
follows: 

(b)  Decreases to 25 percent or more the required visible light
transmission and reflectance of window tinting of a windshield with a
sunscreening device that is in combination with the windshield. Includes
blue in the list of prohibited colors of a sunscreening device.  Redefines
the list of items not covered by this section to include, 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, 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.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003