BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3078

By: Bailes

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

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.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3078 amends the Transportation Code to provide for the registration of a commercial vehicle as a ranch vehicle in the same manner as a farm vehicle, including by setting the registration fee for a ranch vehicle at 50 percent of the vehicle registration fee otherwise applicable to the vehicle. The bill requires the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to provide separate distinguishing license plates for vehicles registered as farm and ranch vehicles and to provide a person who registers a vehicle as either a farm or ranch vehicle the option of designating the vehicle as either such vehicle. The bill includes the operation of a registered ranch vehicle under a specified weight as a defense to prosecution for violating certain safety belt requirements and exempts a ranch vehicle from statutory provisions regarding the identification and transportation of special mobile equipment.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.