BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2812
85R28338 AAF-D	By: Oliverson; White (Huffman)
	Criminal Justice
	5/17/2017
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Motorists must be able to differentiate between law enforcement vehicles and vehicles used by private security entities (if lit by a lamp or other illuminating device). H.B. 2812 restricts the lights with which a security patrol vehicle may be equipped to green, amber, or white lights. The bill also establishes that, for purposes of restrictions on the use of lights on a vehicle, a vehicle is equipped with a lamp or illuminating device regardless of whether the lamp or device is activated, or whether it is attached to the motor vehicle temporarily or permanently.

H.B. 2812 amends current law relating to the use of certain lighting equipment on security patrol vehicles.

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 Section 547.305, Transportation Code, by adding Subsections (e-1) and (e-2) and amending Subsection (f), as follows:

(e-1) Authorizes a security patrol vehicle to only be equipped with green, amber, or white lights.

(e-2) Provides that a motor vehicle is equipped with a lamp or illuminating device under this section regardless of whether the lamp or illuminating device is attached to the motor vehicle temporarily or permanently or activated.

(f) Defines "security patrol vehicle" and makes a nonsubstantive change.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2018.

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