BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 153

80R2654 DWS-D                                                                                                      By: Wentworth

                                                                                                 Transportation & Homeland Security

                                                                                                                                              2/5/2007

                                                                                                                                              As Filed

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Currently, a driver with a learner's permit is authorized to operate a vehicle while accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older.  There are currently no provisions prohibiting this accompanying licensed passenger from sleeping while the driver with a learner's permit operates the vehicle.

 

As proposed, S.B. 153 makes it an offense for the accompanying licensed passenger of a driver with a learner's permit to sleep, be intoxicated, or to engage in any activity that prevents the passenger from observing and responding to the actions of the driver of the vehicle.

 

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 521.222, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (g) to establish that a person who occupies the seat in a vehicle by a holder of an instruction permit commits an offense if, while the holder is operating the vehicle, the person sleeps, is intoxicated, as defined by Section 49.01, Penal Code, or is engaged in any activity that prevents the person from observing and responding to the actions of the operator.

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2007.