HBA-SEB, PDH H.B. 1492 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1492
By: Alexander
Transportation
7/1/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 76th Texas Legislature, a person between 15 and 18 years of
age was eligible for a special restricted Class M license to operate a
motorcycle that had not more than a 125 cubic centimeter displacement.
Some had complained that motorcycles of this type were not available in
sufficient quantity and were unsafe in traffic.  H.B. 1492 increases the
maximum cubic centimeter displacement from 125 to 250 cubic centimeters.
This bill also requires the Texas Department of Transportation to compile a
list of vehicles that are certified as mopeds and make this list available
to the public. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking
authority is expressly delegated to the Department of Transportation in
SECTION 2 (Section 521.225, Transportation Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Sections 521.224(b) and (e), Transportation Code, by
increasing from 125 to 250 the maximum cubic centimeter piston displacement
for which the Texas Department of Transportation (department) may issue a
special restricted Class M license that authorizes the holder to operate a
motorcycle.  Makes a conforming change. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 521.225, Transportation Code, by adding
Subsection (d), to require the department to certify whether a vehicle
alleged to be a moped is a moped.  Requires the department, by rule, to
establish the procedure for determining whether a vehicle is a moped,
compile a list of mopeds certified by the department, and make the list
available to the public on request. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 541.201(10), Transportation Code, to make a
conforming change. 

SECTION 4.  Repealer:  Section 521.266 (Certification), Transportation
Code.  Section 521.266 provides the requirements of the Department of
Transportation regarding the certification  of motorcycles. 

SECTION 5.Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 6.Emergency clause.