BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 175

79R1970 DWS-D                                                                                                             By: Brimer

                                                                                                                                   Criminal Justice

4/16/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Traffic control devices allow emergency personnel to manipulate traffic signals in emergency situations.  However, the devices are now available to the general public on the Internet.  Unauthorized use of these devices could cause traffic hazards. 

As proposed, S.B. 175 makes possession of a traffic control device a Class B misdemeanor.

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.  Provides that this Act may be called the MIRT Act.

SECTION 2.   Amends Chapter 544, Transportation Code, by adding Section 544.0055, as follows:

Sec. 544.0055.  MOBILE INFRARED TRANSMITTER PROHIBITED.  (a) Defines "mobile infrared transmitter."

(b) Provides that a person commits an offense if the person possesses a mobile infrared transmitter.

(c) Makes an exception to the application of Subsection (b) if the mobile infrared transmitter is possessed by a person for use in official emergency response duties, as determined by rules adopted by the Texas Department of Transportation.

(d) Provides that an offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2005.