BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

C.S.S.B. 1024

85R18437 AAF-D

By: Nelson

 

Transportation

 

3/23/2017

 

Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

What does this bill do?

         Authorizes security vehicles at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to use universally recognized emergency flashing lights while securing the airport or responding to an emergency.

 

Purpose

 

         To increase and enhance public safety at DFW airport by increasing security visibility.

 

Background

 

         Current law authorizes certain emergency vehicles to use red and blue emergency lighting such as police, fire, and emergency medical services.

 

         Not all DFW security vehicles meet the current definition of an emergency vehicle that may use the lighting.

 

S.B. 1024 Provisions

 

         Amends Section 541.201(1), Transportation Code, by adding DFW emergency management or airport security vehicles to the list of authorized vehicles that may use flashing red and blue emergency lighting.

 

Fiscal Impact:

 

         None

 

Committee Substitute

 

         To address concerns by the Texas Municipal Police Association, a committee substitute changes the authorization from red and blue flashing lights to blue and amber flashing lights similar to tow trucks.

 

C.S.S.B. 1024 amends current law relating to the use of certain lighting equipment on emergency management or airport security 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 Subsection (e-1), as follows:

 

(e-1) Authorizes an emergency management or airport security vehicle to be equipped with flashing blue and amber lights visible from directly in front of the center of the vehicle. Defines "emergency management or airport security vehicle."

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2017.