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


Senate Research Center   C.S.H.B. 970
By: McClendon (Madla)
Intergovernmental Relations
5-15-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


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
Transportation, for commercial motor vehicles carrying hazardous material
in the municipality. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.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 Transportation, 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 Transportation (department)
for approval.  Requires the department to approve the route and notify the
municipality 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.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1.

Requires the Department of Transportation, rather than the Department of
Public Safety, to approve of routes for commercial vehicles carrying
hazardous materials.