79R1970 DWS-D

By:  Guillen                                                      H.B. No. 190



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to possession of certain devices affecting operation of a 
traffic-control signal; providing a criminal penalty.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  This Act may be called the MIRT Act.                               
	SECTION 2.  Chapter 544, Transportation Code, is amended by 
adding Section 544.0055 to read as follows:
	Sec. 544.0055.  MOBILE INFRARED TRANSMITTER PROHIBITED.  (a) 
In this section, "mobile infrared transmitter" means a device that 
emits an infrared beam with the capability of changing a 
traffic-control signal out of sequence.
	(b)  A person commits an offense if the person possesses a 
mobile infrared transmitter.
	(c)  It is an exception to the application of Subsection (b) 
that 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)  An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.            
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.