BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1023

By: Nichols

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Under current law, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is required to notify the commissioners court of a county or the governing body of a municipality if TxDOT inspects a bridge under the county's or municipality's jurisdiction and determines that the bridge qualifies for a lower load rating than is currently permitted. The entity that is notified is then required to post notices on the road or highway approaching the bridge that state the maximum load permitted on the bridge. However, federal law has changed recently on load posting, thus requiring a change in state law. S.B. 1023 seeks to provide for this by authorizing TxDOT to post the notice for a bridge under the jurisdiction of the county or municipality if TxDOT is required or authorized under federal law to post the notice.

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

S.B. 1023 amends the Transportation Code to authorize the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to post on behalf of a county or municipality the required notice for a road or highway approaching a bridge that states the maximum load permitted for the bridge if TxDOT is required or authorized under federal law to post the notice. The bill requires the notice to be posted in accordance with federal law.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.