Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 422	House Author:  Guillen
Effective:  6-17-11	Senate Sponsor:  Williams

            House Bill 422 amends Transportation Code provisions relating to a permit to move certain heavy equipment to authorize the Texas Transportation Commission, by rule, to authorize the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to issue a consolidated permit to a motor carrier, as defined in motor carrier registration provisions, to transport multiple loads of the same commodity over a state highway if all of the loads are traveling between the same general locations.  The bill sets out requirements for the commission rules and for a permit application and specifies the conditions under which TxDOT may suspend such a permit.

            House Bill 422 authorizes TxDOT to issue a single trip permit for a vehicle that exceeds the length limitation established in provisions relating to an annual permit for the operation of superheavy or oversize equipment if on completion of a route and engineering study TxDOT determines that the additional length can be transported safely.  The bill authorizes TxDOT to issue a permit for a vehicle that exceeds the maximum weight limit because of an auxiliary power unit if TxDOT finds that such an exemption would reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.