BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 487

By: Davis

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been estimated that Texas consumers spend billions of dollars annually on outdoor recreation, including the purchase of new and used off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and recreational off-highway vehicles and related accessories and services. Interested parties assert that the outdoor recreation industry generates billions of dollars in wage and salary income and state and local tax revenue and supports more than 250,000 direct jobs in Texas.

Under current law, the definitions of "all-terrain vehicle" and "recreational off-highway vehicle" do not encompass the industry's current and future product offerings. S.B. 487 seeks to update this language to accommodate newer, more popular models of these vehicles.

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. 487 amends the Transportation Code, for purposes of statutory provisions relating to the registration of vehicles and to certain off-highway vehicles, to redefine "all-terrain vehicle" to mean a motor vehicle that, in addition to meeting other specified criteria, is not more than 50 inches wide and that is equipped with a seat or seats, rather than a saddle, for specified uses. The bill, for purposes of statutory provisions relating to the registration of vehicles, redefines "recreational off-highway vehicle" to mean a motor vehicle that, in addition to meeting other specified criteria, is equipped with a seat or seats, rather than a non-straddle seat, for the rider and, if the vehicle is designed for passenger transport, for one or more passengers.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2013.