BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1956

By: Springer

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that all-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles, and recreational off-highway vehicles are often used by consumers for similar purposes. The parties further note that the amendment over time of applicable statutes has resulted in confusion for both drivers and some law enforcement officers as to the proper operation of these vehicles. H.B. 1956 seeks to address this issue by providing for clarification with regard to the operation of these vehicles.

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. 1956 amends the Transportation Code to include a utility vehicle among the vehicles to which statutory provisions relating to the operation of certain off-highway vehicles apply. The bill reclassifies as an off-highway vehicle for purposes of those provisions an all-terrain vehicle, a recreational off-highway vehicle, and a utility vehicle.

H.B. 1956 repeals the following Transportation Code provisions:

·         Section 551.401(2)

·         Section 663.001(1), as amended by Chapters 131 (S.B. 487) and 895 (H.B. 1044), Acts of the 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013

·         Section 663.003

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.