BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1364

By: Alvarado

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current federal law allows vehicles fueled primarily by natural gas or powered primarily by means of electric battery power to exceed the weight limit on the power unit by up to 2,000 pounds, up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of 82,000 pounds, on the U.S. Interstate Highway System. In the 85th Texas legislative session, H.B. 2319 was passed into law to allow this exemption to apply to vehicles fueled primarily by natural gas. As electric trucks are growing in popularity, they are currently limited to travel on U.S. interstate highways in Texas if they exceed the 80,000 pound weight limit. S.B. 1364 seeks to create uniformity across Texas roads by allowing this 2,000-pound weight exemption for vehicles fueled primarily by means of electric battery power.

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. 1364 amends the Transportation Code to change the amount by which a vehicle powered by an engine primarily fueled by natural gas may exceed a statutory weight limitation from an amount that is equal to the difference between the weight of the vehicle attributable to the natural gas tank and fueling system carried by that vehicle and the weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system to up to 2,000 pounds, provided that the maximum gross weight of the vehicle may not exceed 82,000 pounds. Additionally, the bill specifies that the weight limitation that may be exceeded is the gross weight limitation, includes a vehicle with an engine powered primarily by means of electric battery power among the vehicles that may exceed that weight limitation, and removes references to a combination of vehicles in that excess weight allowance.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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