BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 4531

By: Chavez

Public Safety

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, an individual is not required by law to take a mandatory training course on purchase of a motorcycle. The number of accidents related to high-performance motorcycles is steadily increasing, and some of these accidents result in the loss of life. A motorcycle training course could prevent serious vehicle collisions and save lives.   

C.S.H.B. 4531 requires all owners and operators of high-performance motorcycles purchased on or after September 1, 2009, to take the motorcycle operator training course required under state law within 180 days of the purchase of the motorcycle and requires the operator to carry proof of successful completion of the training, to be produced on request of any peace officer.

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

C.S.H.B. 4531 amends the Transportation Code to require each owner and operator of a high-performance motorcycle purchased on or after September 1, 2009, to take the motorcycle operator training and safety course required under state law within 180 days of the purchase of the motorcycle. The bill requires proof of successful completion of the training to be carried by the operator of the motorcycle and to be produced on demand of any Texas peace officer.

C.S.H.B. 4531 makes an offense relating to high-performance motorcycle training a Class C misdemeanor. The bill defines "motorcycle," "operator," "owner," and "high-performance motorcycle."

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 4531 requires the operator of a high-performance motorcycle to carry proof of completion of a high-performance motorcycle training course, whereas the original requires the operator to maintain proof of attendance of the course. The substitute makes violation of the bill's provisions a Class C misdemeanor, whereas the original specifies punishment by a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000. The substitute differs from the original by redefining "high-performance motorcycle." The substitute makes nonsubstantive technical changes to the original.