SRC-AMY S.B. 645 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 645 78R5059 JTS-FBy: Wentworth Infrastructure Development and Security 3/20/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, Texas law prohibits the width of a vehicle from exceeding 102 inches, not including safety equipment. As Texas continues to attract travel and tourism business to the state, it is important that our transportation laws do not unnecessarily penalize owners of recreational vehicles. As proposed, S.B. 645 allows recreational vehicle accessories, including awnings and grab handles, to extend up to six inches beyond the 102 inch width limit. 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 Chapter 622Y, Transportation Code, by amending Section 622.901 and adding Section 622.903, as follows: Sec. 622.901. Makes a conforming change in accordance with Section 622.903. Makes a nonsubstantive change. Sec. 622.903. WIDTH LIMITATION ON CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. (a) Defines "appurtenance" and "recreational vehicle." (b) Provides that a recreational vehicle may exceed a width limitation, established by Section 621.201 or 621.202, if the excess width is attributable to an appurtenance that extends six inches or less beyond a fender on one or both sides of the vehicle. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2003.