SRC-JRN H.B. 970 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 970
By: McClendon (Madla)
Intergovernmental Relations
5-12-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law provides a municipality with the ability to establish
a non-radioactive hazardous material route.  However, no statute exists
mandating a municipality to create a nonradioactive hazardous material
route.  This bill requires a municipality with a population of more than
750,000 to develop a route, to be approved by the Texas Department of
Public Safety, for commercial motor vehicles carrying hazardous material
in the municipality. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 970 requires a municipality with a population of more
than 750,000 to develop a route, to be approved by the Texas Department of
Public Safety, for commercial motor vehicles carrying hazardous material
in the municipality. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 7, Article 6675d, V.T.C.S., by adding Subsection
(f), to require a municipality with a population of more than 750,000 to
develop a route for commercial motor vehicles carrying hazardous materials
on a road or highway in the municipality.  Requires the municipality to
submit the route to the Texas Department of Public Safety (department) for
approval. Requires the department to approve the route and notify the
municipality and the Texas Department of Transportation of the approved
route, if the department determines that the route complies with all
applicable federal and state regulations regarding the transportation of
hazardous materials. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.