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