SRC-VRA S.B. 1277 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1277
78R6281 MTB-DBy: Armbrister
Intergovernmental Relations
3/28/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Electric Personal Assistance Mobility Device (EPAMD) is not
authorized to travel on certain thoroughfares and walkways.  As proposed,
S.B. 1277 legalizes the operation of an EPAMD on certain thoroughfares,
pathways, and walkways.  

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 502F, Transportation Code, by adding Section
502.2862, as follows: 

Sec.  502.2862.  ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES.  Provides
that the owner of an electric personal assistive mobility device, as
defined by Section 551.201, is not required to register the electric
personal assistive mobility device. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 541.201(11), Transportation Code, to redefine
"motor vehicle." 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 547.001(7), Transportation Code, to redefine
"slow-moving vehicle." 

SECTION 4.  Amends Section 551.001, Transportation Code, to make a
conforming change. 

SECTION 5.  Amends Chapter 551, Transportation Code, by adding Subchapter
C, as follows: 

SUBCHAPTER C.  ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES

 Sec.  551.201.  DEFINITIONS.  Defines "electric personal assistive
mobility device." 

Sec.  551.202.  OPERATION ON ROADWAY.  (a)  Authorizes a person to operate
an electric personal assistive mobility device on a roadway with a speed
limit of 35 miles per hour or less. 

(b)  Prohibits a person from operating an electric personal assistive
mobility device on a roadway with a speed limit of more than 35 miles per
hour unless the person operates the device on a part of the roadway set
aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles. 

(c)  Prohibits a person from operating an electric personal assistive
mobility device on a roadway where the operation of bicycles is
prohibited. 

(d)  Authorizes a person to operate an electric personal assistive
mobility device on a path set aside for the exclusive operation of
bicycles. 

(e)  Provides that, except as otherwise provided this section, provisions
of this  title applicable to the operation of bicycles apply to the
operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices.  

 Sec.  551.203.  SIDEWALKS.  Authorizes a person to operate an electric
personal  assistive mobility device on a sidewalk.  

SECTION 6.  Amends Section 601.002(5), Transportation Code, to redefine
"motor vehicle." 

SECTION 7.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.