AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
S.B. 570 provides a mechanism for counties to have signs posted at rest areas indicating that fireworks are prohibited. There is currently no provision in law for the posting of signage at rest stops where fireworks are prohibited. This bill provides a process for the posting of those signs.
This bill also provides that a county commissioners court may petition the Texas Department of Transportation for authorization to post such signs at rest areas in the county. After receiving the petition, the Texas Transportation Commission is required to order the county to post such signs.
As proposed, S.B. 570 amends current law relating to the use of fireworks at certain Texas Department of Transportation rest areas and provides a penalty.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends the heading to Subchapter F, Chapter 203, Transportation Code, to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER F. USE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY
SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter F, Chapter 203, Transportation Code, by adding Section 203.112, as follows:
Sec. 203.112. PROHIBITION OR RESTRICTION OF FIREWORKS AT REST AREA. (a) Defines "rest area" in this section.
(b) Requires the Texas Transportation Commission by order to prohibit or restrict the use of fireworks at a state highway rest area in the unincorporated area of a county on the petition of the commissioners court of the county.
(c) Requires that an order adopted under Subsection (b) require the county to erect signs at the rest area giving notice of the order.
(d) Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally violates a prohibition or restriction established by an order adopted under this section commits an offense. Provides that an offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2015.