BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                    C.S.H.B. 3425

                                                                                                                                            By: Geren

                                                                                                                                     Transportation

                                                                                                        Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Currently, the Transportation Code allows for the issuance of specialty antique license plates to certain vehicles that are 25 years or older, are collector's items, and are used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest.  The law does not allow the owner of an antique vehicle to drive the vehicle for the purpose of routine maintenance.

 

C.S.H.B. 3425 would establish an affirmative defense to prosecution for the owner of an antique vehicle who drives the vehicle to or from a location for the purpose of routine maintenance, thus allowing the owner to lawfully perform maintenance on the vehicle.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

 

ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.   Adds Subsection (j) to Section 504.502, Transportation Code.  The provision outlines that it is a defense to prosecution to be in route to or from a location for the purpose of routine maintenance of an antique vehicle.

 

SECTION 2.   Effective Date

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2005.

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

 

The committee substitute makes conforming changes by amending the filed version of the bill to fit the drafting requirements of the Texas Legislative Council.