Bill

HB 1548

86(R) - 2019
House Transportation
House Transportation

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Drew Springer
Mayes Middleton

Bill Caption

Relating to the operation of golf carts, neighborhood electric vehicles, and off-highway vehicles; authorizing fees.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 1548 would make a variety of changes to the Transportation Code applying to the regulation to golf carts, off-highway vehicles and other low-powered vehicles on local roads. The bill would subject these vehicles to existing traffic laws on public highways, would provide for a process of issuing required license plates for these vehicles and would make it a Class C misdemeanor to misuse the vehicles on public property that is not a highway.  Additionally the bill makes a host of code changes in order to greater clarify laws regarding these vehicles, including expanding local authority to allow these types of vehicles to be driven on local roads.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action remains neutral on this legislation which would increase regulations by requiring license plates for these vehicles but would also improve local control by allowing local governments more autonomy in determining road use for these vehicles.