HBA-SEP S.B. 1161 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1161
By: Truan
Transportation
4/27/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law recognizes low-speed vehicles driven by internal combustion
engines as having certain rights to operate on streets and roadways.
However, equivalent low-speed electric vehicles are not recognized under
Texas traffic law and are not legally operable on Texas roadways.  Senate
Bill 1161 extends provisions regarding rules of the road applicable to a
bicycle to apply to a low-speed electric vehicle. 

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

Senate Bill 1161 amends the Transportation Code to extend provisions
regarding rules of the road applicable to a bicycle to apply to a low-speed
electric vehicle, other than a provision that by its nature cannot apply to
a low-speed electric vehicle.   

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.