HBA-BSM, DMH H.B. 651 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 651
By: King, Phil
Agriculture & Livestock
3/5/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law prohibits the operator of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to drive
on a public street, road, or highway.  This restriction limits the
effectiveness of these vehicles for farmers and ranchers to use for work
purposes, since such ATV users often travel short distances on public
roadways to move from one property to another.  House Bill 651 authorizes
the operator of an ATV to travel on a public street, road, or highway that
is not an interstate or limited-access highway if the transportation is
associated with agricultural work. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 651 amends the Transportation Code to authorize the operator of
an all-terrain vehicle to drive on a public street, road, or highway that
is not an interstate or limited-access highway if the all-terrain vehicle
is properly flagged, and the operator is using the vehicle for agricultural
purposes.  

The bill requires the director of the Department of Public Safety to adopt
standards and specifications that apply to the color, size, and mounting
position of the flag that the all-terrain vehicle operator is required to
attach to the back of the vehicle. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.