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.