BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 988

By: Fletcher

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Many secured access points and automobiles have electric devices that unlock the access point or vehicle or start the vehicle. With regard to automobiles, these devices sometimes include a chip on or embedded in the head of the key or a key fob device that may be carried in a pocket. Because recent lock technology has moved beyond basic mechanical devices, statutory provisions relating to private security should be updated to reflect the addition of these modern lock devices. H.B. 988 addresses this issue by providing a definition for "lock."

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

H.B. 988 amends the Occupations Code to define "lock," for purposes of the Private Security Act, as a fastening device that is used to secure, regulate, activate, or control a door, gate, drawer, cabinet, safe, or automobile by means of a mechanical or electric device, including a latch, bolt, key, transmitter, card-reader, keypad, or proximity key fob and that is not monitored by security personnel or services and does not send a signal to which law enforcement or emergency services respond.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.