BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1212

By: Israel

Environmental Regulation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised regarding the practice of coal rolling, whereby a diesel-powered vehicle is made to emit thick, black smoke through the alteration of certain vehicle components, and the negative health and environmental effects of that practice. H.B. 1212 seeks to address these concerns by prohibiting the owners and operators of certain diesel-powered vehicles that are equipped with an exhaust emission system from modifying or reprogramming the system or related part in a certain manner.

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. 1212 amends the Transportation Code to prohibit the owner or operator of a diesel-powered motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine, of a model year after 1967, that is equipped with an exhaust emission system from modifying or reprogramming the system or a part of the system in a manner that the owner or operator knows or should know will increase the motor vehicle's capacity to emit soot, smoke, or other particulate matter.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.