BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2163

By: Bernal

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

As Texas' population continues to grow, it has been suggested that the need for both traditional and nontraditional transportation options will be of the utmost importance to keep up with demand. H.B. 2163 seeks to facilitate the mobility of citizens and tourists alike by revising the types of vehicles regulated as neighborhood electric 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. 2163 amends the Transportation Code to revise the definition of "neighborhood electric vehicle" for purposes of statutory provisions governing the operation of such a vehicle by including within the meaning of the term an electric vehicle that can attain a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour on a paved level surface and otherwise complies with federal regulations applicable to motorcycles for a vehicle that has at least three wheels in contact with the ground or with federal regulations for low-speed vehicles.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.