BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3171

By: Krause

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that recent advances in electric vehicle technology have made it feasible to replace traditional carbon-emitting, engine-powered mopeds with zero-emission battery-powered mopeds. Furthermore, there have been calls to eliminate certain specialized licensing requirements beyond a traditional driver's license for a person wishing to operate a moped in Texas. H.B. 3171 seeks to address these issues by revising the classification of certain mopeds and related licensing requirements. 

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. 3171 amends the Transportation Code to eliminate the moped license and to remove the authorization to operate a moped under the authority of a Class A, B, C, or M driver's license or a commercial driver's license or permit. The bill revises the definition of "moped" for purposes of statutory provisions governing rules of the road.

H.B. 3171 requires the comptroller of public accounts to determine whether any transfer of money for deposit to the Texas mobility fund is necessary to comply with certain constitutional fund requirements and to transfer any amount determined to be necessary to the Texas mobility fund from the general revenue fund.

H.B. 3171 amends the Finance Code to make a conforming change.

H.B. 3171 repeals the following provisions of the Transportation Code:

· Section 521.224(a)

· Section 521.225

· Section 541.201(10)  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.