BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1257

By: Ashby

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

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. H.B. 1257 seeks to address these concerns by authorizing the removal of these structures from a roadway or right-of-way. 

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. 1257 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.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.