88R9248 BEE-D
By: Patterson H.B. No. 715
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the operation of an electric bicycle in a state park.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 13, Parks and Wildlife
Code, is amended by adding Section 13.024 to read as follows:
Sec. 13.024. OPERATION OF ELECTRIC BICYCLE IN STATE PARK.
(a) In this section:
(1) "Bicycle" has the meaning assigned by Section
541.201, Transportation Code.
(2) "Class 1 electric bicycle" and "Class 2 electric
bicycle" have the meanings assigned by Section 664.001,
Transportation Code.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law and except as provided by
Subsection (d), a person may operate in a state park:
(1) a Class 1 electric bicycle in an area where the
operation of a bicycle is permitted; and
(2) a Class 2 electric bicycle in an area where the
person has been authorized by the park to operate a Class 2 electric
bicycle.
(c) The commission by rule shall adopt:
(1) forms and procedures for a person to apply to a
state park for authorization to operate a Class 2 electric bicycle
in the park; and
(2) criteria for an employee of a state park to use to:
(A) approve or disapprove an application under
Subdivision (1); and
(B) place limitations, if any, on the area of the
park in which operation of a Class 2 electric bicycle is authorized.
(d) The department may prohibit the operation of a Class 1
or Class 2 electric bicycle in an area of a state park described by
Subsection (b) if the department determines the prohibition is
necessary to protect:
(1) public safety;
(2) state park infrastructure; or
(3) state fish or wildlife resources or habitat.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.