BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 2041

By: Ellis

Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, the Texas driver's license examination does not contain questions about motorists' rights and responsibilities in relation to bicyclists.

S.B. 2041 requires the examination of driver's license applicants to include a test of the applicant's knowledge of motorists' rights and responsibilities in relation to bicyclists. 

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

S.B. 2041 amends the Transportation Code to require the Department of Public Safety (DPS) administered examination of driver's license applicants, in addition to other requirements, to include a test of the applicant's knowledge of motorists' rights and responsibilities in relation to bicyclists and requires DPS to give each applicant the option of taking that part of the examination in writing in addition to or instead of through a mechanical, electronic, or other testing method. The bill specifies that a driver's license examination administered by DPS is not required to include a question testing the applicant's knowledge of motorists' rights and responsibilities in relation to bicyclists, if the examination is administered before February 1, 2010.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.