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.