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


Senate Research Center   S.B. 345
78R4106 JTS-FBy: Ogden
Infrastructure Development and Security
3/13/2003
As Filed


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.  As proposed, 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)  Increases from 33 percent or more to 35 percent or more the minimum
required light transmission 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.

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.