BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3078
87R12055 JAM-D	By: Bailes et al. (Nichols)
	Transportation
	5/11/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Ranchers are deeply valued and appreciated members of our state. While they are currently able to register a commercial vehicle as a farm vehicle, they are not able to do the same for commercial ranch vehicles. H.B. 3078 seeks to acknowledge the state's appreciation for ranchers by providing for the registration of a commercial vehicle as a ranch vehicle in the same manner as a farm vehicle, as well as providing for separate distinguishing license plates for vehicles registered as farm and ranch vehicles.

H.B. 3078 amends current law relating to the registration of certain motor vehicles as farm or ranch vehicles.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends the heading to Section 502.433, Transportation Code, as follows:

Sec. 502.433.� FEE:� COMMERCIAL FARM OR RANCH MOTOR VEHICLE.

SECTION 2. Amends Sections 502.433(a) and (d), Transportation Code, as follows:

(a) Provides that the registration fee for a commercial motor vehicle as a farm vehicle or ranch vehicle, rather than for a commercial motor vehicle as a farm vehicle, is 50 percent of the applicable fee under Section 502.252 (Fee: Vehicles That Weigh 6,000 Pounds or Less) or Section 502.253 (Fee: Vehicles That Weigh More Than 6,000 Pounds), as applicable, if the vehicle's owner will use the vehicle for commercial purposes only to transport certain items and persons.

(d) Requires the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to provide separate distinguishing license plates for farm and ranch vehicles, rather than for a vehicle, registered under Section 502.433. Requires TxDMV to provide a person who registers a vehicle under this section the option of designating the vehicle as a farm vehicle or a ranch vehicle.

SECTION 3. Amends Section 545.413(e), Transportation Code, to provide that �it is a defense to prosecution under Section 545.413 (Safety Belts; Offense) that the person is operating a commercial vehicle registered as a farm or ranch vehicle, rather than as a farm vehicle, under the provisions of Section 502.433 that does not have a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of 48,000 pounds or more.

SECTION 4. Amends Section 622.074, Transportation Code, as follows:

Sec. 622.074.� NONAPPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. Provides that Subchapter G (Special Mobile Equipment) does not apply to a vehicle used to propel special mobile equipment that is registered as a farm or ranch vehicle, rather than as a farm vehicle, under Section 502.433.

SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 2021.