BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 176

79R1910 JRJ-D                                                                                                                 By: Brimer

                                                                                              Transportation and Homeland Security

2/4/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Under current law, passenger cars and light trucks are required to use towing safety chains when towing a trailer.  Trailers used for agricultural purposes are currently exempted from this requirement.  Fatal accidents have been caused by trailers becoming detached from towing vehicles.  As proposed, S.B. 176 would require all passenger cars and light trucks to use towing safety chains when towing a trailer by removing the exemption for agricultural trailers.

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 Section 545.410(a), Transportation Code, by deleting text pertaining to this subsection not applying to the drawing of a trailer or semitrailer used for agricultural purposes.

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2005.