BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 58

By: Nelson

Transportation

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. S.B. 58 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

S.B. 58 amends the Transportation Code to include a municipality with a population of more than 40,000 and less than 50,000 that is located in a county with a population of more than 285,000 and less than 300,000 that borders 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. The bill decreases from one million to 700,000 the minimum population of a county that triggers a county sheriff's or deputy sheriff's eligibility to apply for such certification.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.