BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1115
	By: Hancock
	Transportation
	5/24/2023
	Enrolled

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Texas is the only state that does not allow registration of a certain type of three wheel vehicle or allow access to Texas roadways for those vehicles registered in other states. The Department of Motor Vehicles explained that the law needs to be amended in order to allow registration of these vehicles in Texas.

Arcimoto's vehicle uses a steering bar instead of a steering wheel, so it does not meet the definition of an autocycle. The Transportation Code defines autocycles as using steering wheels.

S.B. 1115 will solve this issue and modernize the Transportation Code to better reflect trends in the transportation sector by changing "wheel" to "mechanism" and including seat belts in the code because all autocycles are equipped with seatbelts. The legislation will not create loopholes for true motorcycles to be considered autocycles or eliminate any motor vehicles currently classified as autocycles.

S.B. 1115 amends current law relating to the titling, registration, and operation of an autocycle.

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 501.008(a), Transportation Code, as follows:

(a) Provides that in Section 501.008 (Title for Autocycle), "autocycle" means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is:

(1) makes no changes to this subdivision;

(2) equipped with seat belts and a steering mechanism, rather than a steering wheel; and

(3)-(4) makes no changes to these subdivisions.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 502.005(a), Transportation Code, to make a conforming change.

SECTION 3. Amends Section 661.0015, Transportation Code, as follows:

Sec. 661.0015. PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR FOR AUTOCYCLE. (a) Makes a conforming change to this subsection.

(b) Provides that for purposes of Chapter 661 (Protective Headgear for Motorcycle Operators and Passengers), an autocycle is considered to be a motorcycle, except that this chapter does not apply to an autocycle that has a partially or fully enclosed cab.

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2023.