HBA-CMT H.B. 2220 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2220
By: Martinez Fischer
Urban Affairs
7/10/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

State law requires that city-owned vehicles be clearly marked with the
city's name and the title of the department to which the vehicle is
assigned.  The law allows cities to exempt some vehicles from the
requirement, including vehicles used by a police department, a magistrate,
or a medical examiner.  In investigating potential fraud or mismanagement
by municipal employees, it may be advantageous for a city to be able to use
unmarked vehicles.  Prior to the 77th Legislature, however, there was no
exemption for vehicles being used for such purposes.  House Bill 2220
allows cities to exempt a vehicle that is used by a city employee to
conduct an investigation involving suspected fraud or other mismanagement
within the city from inscription requirements. 

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 2220 amends the Transportation Code to authorize the governing
body of a municipality  to exempt an office having control of an automobile
from the requirement of inscripting an automobile with the name of the
municipality and office only when it is used by a municipal employee
conducting an investigation involving suspected fraud or other
mismanagement within the municipality. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.