BILL ANALYSIS
By: Staples
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Currently, only officers defined in the Code of Criminal Procedure, Articles 2.12 (1)-(4), are able to operate their sirens and lights when escorting or directing traffic. As such, university, school district, and transit authority police officers act illegally if they operate the lights on top of their vehicles or sirens, when escorting a parade, directing traffic, or performing other non-emergency but public safety-related activities.
As proposed, S.B. 866 would allow university, school district, and metropolitan rapid transit authority police vehicles to operate in emergency capacities when facilitating the movement of a funeral, oversized or hazardous load, or other traffic disruption for public safety purposes.
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. Amends Section 546.002(a), Transportation Code, to redefine "police escort."
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2005