BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1081

80R6734 JRJ-F                                                                                                                 By: Carona

Transportation & Homeland Security

3/26/2007

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

In 2003, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration added a new type of vehicle as a subcategory to a school bus.  The new vehicle is a multi-function school activity bus (school activity bus) that meets all the safety standards and functions of a school bus, except the school activity bus can travel over 60 miles per hour, does not come with certain traffic control devices, and is not to be used for home-to-school transportation.  Statutory change may be necessary to clarify the operation and requirements of this new vehicle. 

As proposed, S.B. 1081 redefines "school bus" to include the multi-function school activity bus and prohibits this type of bus from being painted National School Bus Glossy Yellow. 

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 541.201(15), Transportation Code, to redefine "school activity bus."

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 545.001, Transportation Code, to define "school bus" and to make conforming changes. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Subchapter L, Chapter 547, Transportation Code, by adding Section 547.7012, as follows:

Sec. 547.7012.  REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITY BUSES.  Prohibits a school activity bus from being painted National School Bus Glossy Yellow. 

SECTION 4.  Effective date: September 1, 2007.