HBA-MPM S.B. 586 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 586
By: Ogden
Transportation
4/19/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas leads the nation in traffic fatalities.  In 1998,  more
than 3,500 people died on Texas roads, resulting in an economic loss of
nearly $9 billion. In 1999, there were 3,106 fatal traffic accidents that
resulted in 3,519 deaths.  Although significant progress has been made in
the last two decades in reducing traffic fatalities per vehicle mile, the
number of fatalities is still high.  Senate Bill 586 establishes the Center
for Transportation Safety to carry out programs of research, education, and
technology transfer to support the state's role in improving the safety of
the roadways in Texas.   

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 586 amends the Education Code to establish the Center for
Transportation Safety (center) as a component of the Texas Transportation
Institute (institute).   The bill requires the center to conduct programs
of research, education, and technology transfer to support the state's role
in improving the safety of roadways in Texas and sets forth proposed
programs relating to roadway safety issues.  The bill authorizes the center
to enter into interagency contracts and agreements and to contract with
local, state, county, federal, and private entities for work under the
center's programs.   

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, of if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.