BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1257
87R3376 SRA-D	By: Ashby (Nichols)
	Transportation
	5/3/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Abandoned mobile homes are occasionally left on the side of highways and other rights-of-way, which presents a grave traffic danger to motorists. Furthermore, these mobile homes are not normally equipped with reflectors or other safety equipment to warn approaching motorists, making them difficult to see after dark. Despite these dangers, it has been noted that law enforcement officers cannot legally remove abandoned mobile homes from a public roadway, even in the interest of public safety. This bill seeks to address these concerns by authorizing the removal of these structures from a roadway or right-of-way.

The bill amends the Transportation Code to authorize a metropolitan rapid transit authority, a regional transportation authority, or a law enforcement agency to remove an unattended manufactured home from a roadway or right-of-way if the authority or agency determines that the home blocks the roadway or endangers public safety.

H.B. 1257 amends current law relating to the definition of personal property for purposes of removing personal property from a roadway or right-of-way.

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 545.3051(a)(3), Transportation Code, to include an unattended manufactured home as defined by Section 1201.003 (Definitions), Occupations Code, in the definition of "personal property" for purposes of Section 545.3051 (Removal of Personal Property From Roadway or Right-of-Way).

SECTION 2.� Effective date: September 1, 2021.