BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 716

By: Lozano

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that commercial motor vehicle traffic has increased along Texas' gulf coast as a result of recent economic activity in the region and that this increased vehicle activity is putting gulf coast municipalities at a heightened risk for motor vehicle accidents. These parties assert that the risk is exacerbated by current statutes that hinder gulf coast municipalities' ability to take effective action in enforcing commercial vehicle safety standards. H.B. 716 seeks to address this issue and help ensure the safety of the gulf coast communities.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 716 amends the Transportation Code to include a municipality located in a county with a population between 60,000 and 66,000 adjacent to a bay connected to the Gulf of Mexico among the municipalities from which a police officer is eligible to apply for certification to enforce commercial motor vehicle safety standards.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.