HBA-MPM, DMD H.B. 856 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 856
By: Lewis, Ron
Transportation
8/12/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 76th Legislature, state law permitted a defense to prosecution
for failing to wear a safety belt for persons employed by and carrying out
the duties of the postal service and for persons engaged in delivering
newspapers.  H.B. 856 provides a defense to prosecution for failing to wear
a safety belt for persons employed by and performing the duties of a public
or private utility company. 

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. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 545.413(e), Transportation Code, to include as a
defense for the offense of driving a motor vehicle without wearing a seat
belt, a person's employment by a public or private utility company to read
meters or perform a similar duty for that company which requires the
operator to frequently enter into and exit from a vehicle.  Makes a
conforming change. 

SECTION 2.Effective date: September 1, 1999.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.Emergency clause.