| TO: | Honorable Joe Driver, Chair, House Committee on Law Enforcement |
| FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB995 by Vo (Relating to the operation of pocket bikes and minimotorbikes; providing penalties.), As Introduced |
The bill would prohibit the use of pocket bikes or minimotorbikes on a public highway. A person who rides a pocket bike or minimotorbike on a public highway, or parent of a child younger than 18 years of age who permits the child to operate a pocket bike or minimotorbike on a public highway, would be committing a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a fine of $750 or forfeiture of the bike. By definition, these bikes would not be eligible for a certificate of title for operation on a public highway.
The bill would take effect immediately if it receives the required two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2005. Provisions of the bill would apply only to an offense committed on or after the effective date.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) estimates that it would incur costs of approximately $10,000 upon passage of the bill to develop public service announcements to make the public aware of the new law; to notify county tax assessor-collectors, dealer associations, and law enforcement of the bill's requirements; to revise the Vehicle Titles and Registration Division website to reflect the new law; and to revise the Motor Vehicle Registration and Title Manuals to reflect the new law. TxDOT indicates it would be able to absorb these costs within existing resources.
| Source Agencies: | 405 Department of Public Safety, 601 Department of Transportation
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, KJG, MW, DLBa
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