HBA-NRS S.B. 1162 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1162
By: Truan
Transportation
4/23/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, counties and municipalities do not regulate vehicular traffic on
sand dunes. Coastal sand dunes are critical for the protection of inland
property and the maintenance of existing shorelines. Loss of sand dunes
results in shoreline erosion, encroachment of the public beach easement
onto private property, and conflicts over public and private rights. Senate
Bill 1162 makes operating a vehicle on a sand dune a traffic offense except
if the vehicle is on a roadway designated by a subdivision of the state. 

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 1162 amends the Transportation Code to provide that a person
commits a Class C misdemeanor if the person operates a vehicle on a sand
dune seaward of the dune protection line except on a roadway designated by
a subdivision of the state. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.