BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1418
88R4446 DIO-D	By: LaMantia
	Transportation
	3/22/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

S.B. 1418 would amend the Transportation Code by connecting an overweight corridor between the 13-mile thoroughfare between Military Highway 281/FM 509 (Cameron County) and Military Highway 281/FM 1015 (Hidalgo County).

This change is needed due to growing violence and unsafe areas in Mexico, near and around the Los Indios International Bridge. Because of the unsafe environment, most truckers are now taking a detour and traveling along the 13-mile stretch of Military Highway 281.

Since this 13-mile stretch along Military Highway 281 has not been designated as part of the overweight corridor, this has resulted in a tremendous increase in fines for tractor trailer drivers and operators doing business at the Port of Harlingen.

S.B. 1418 will allow drivers permitted access to the Pharr International Bridge from the Port of Harlingen without the risk of fines or safety.

As proposed, S.B. 1418 amends current law relating to the route designation for the issuance of a permit for the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles in certain counties.

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 Section 623.219(a), Transportation Code, as follows:

(a) Provides that the Texas Transportation Commission, with the consent of the port authority, for a permit issued by the port authority located in a county that borders the United Mexican States:

(1)  is required to designate the most direct route from:

(A) creates this paragraph from existing text and makes nonsubstantive changes;

(B) creates this paragraph from existing text and makes nonsubstantive changes; and

(C)  the Pharr International Bridge to:

(i)  the eastern entrance of the Port of Harlingen using United States Highway 281, Farm-to-Market Road 509, United States Highway 77 Business, and Farm-to-Market Road 1846; and

(ii)  the western entrance of the Port of Harlingen using United States Highway 281 and Farm-to-Market Roads 509 and 106; and

(2)  is authorized to designate another route in consultation with the port authority.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.