SRC-MSY S.B. 1398 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1398
78R8625 DAK-DBy: Ogden
State Affairs
3/27/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Although current law requires drivers or passengers in the front seat of a
motor vehicle to wear safety belts, the law prohibits the use or non-use
of a safety belt or child safety seat from being admitted as evidence in a
civil trial.  As proposed, S.B. 1398 repeals the portions of the
Transportation Code that prohibit the admission of such evidence in
certain civil trials. 

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.  Repealer:  Sections 545.412(d) (providing that use or nonuse
of a child safety seat is not admissible evidence in certain civil trials)
and 545.413(g) (providing that use or nonuse of a safety belt is not
admissible evidence in certain civil trials), Transportation Code. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.
Makes application of this Act prospective.