SRC-LBB C.S.S.B. 345 78(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 345 By: Ogden Infrastructure Development and Security 3/25/2003 Committee Report (Substituted) 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. C.S.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 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. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 1. Amends As Filed S.B. 345, proposed Section 547.613(b), Transportation Code, to adjust the required visible light transmission and reflectance of window tinting from 35 percent to 25 percent.