Bill Text: TX HB2470 | 2011-2012 | 82nd Legislature | Engrossed

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Bill Title: Relating to the regulation of sport bikes and certain other motorcycles.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2011-05-13 - Referred to Transportation & Homeland Sec. [HB2470 Detail]

Download: Texas-2011-HB2470-Engrossed.html

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By: Phillips H.B. No. 2470

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the regulation of sport bikes and certain other
motorcycles.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as Malorie's Law.
SECTION 2. Section 521.084, Transportation Code, is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 521.084. CLASS M LICENSE. A Class M driver's license
authorizes the holder of the license to operate a motorcycle,
including a sport bike as defined by Section 541.201, or a moped.
SECTION 3. Section 541.201, Transportation Code, is amended
by adding Subdivision (18-a) to read as follows:
(18-a) "Sport bike" means a motorcycle:
(A) that is optimized for speed, acceleration,
braking, and maneuverability on paved roads;
(B) that has a lightweight frame;
(C) on which the operator leans forward over the
gas tank during operation; and
(D) that is not a touring, cruising, standard, or
dual-sport motorcycle.
SECTION 4. Subchapter I, Chapter 545, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 545.4161 to read as follows:
Sec. 545.4161. OPERATION OF SPORT BIKE. (a) In addition to
the requirements and prohibitions under Section 545.416, an
operator may not carry another person on a sport bike unless the
sport bike is designed to carry more than one person and:
(1) the operator:
(A) is at least 18 years of age; and
(B) has had a Class M license for at least two
years; or
(2) the other person:
(A) is at least 18 years of age and holds a Class
M license; or
(B) is a motorcycle operator training and safety
course instructor certified under Chapter 662.
(b) An operator of a sport bike shall ensure that a
passenger on the sport bike complies with all department
regulations relating to motorcycle safety.
SECTION 5. The heading to Subchapter M, Chapter 547,
Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER M. ADDITIONAL OR ALTERNATIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR
MOTORCYCLES, [AND] MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLES, AND SPORT BIKES
SECTION 6. Subchapter M, Chapter 547, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 547.803 to read as follows:
Sec. 547.803. SAFETY EQUIPMENT. If a motorcycle, including
a sport bike, is designed to carry more than one person, the
motorcycle must be equipped with foot pegs and handholds for use by
a passenger on the motorcycle.
SECTION 7. Section 661.001(1), Transportation Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(1) "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle designed to
propel itself with not more than three wheels in contact with the
ground, and having a saddle for the use of the rider. The term
includes a sport bike, as defined by Section 541.201. The term does
not include a tractor or a three-wheeled vehicle equipped with a cab
or occupant compartment, seat, and seat belt and designed to
contain the operator in the cab or occupant compartment.
SECTION 8. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.