SRC-MAX H.B. 1345 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1345 By: Uher (Armbrister) State Affairs 5-6-97 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is authorized to issue oversize or overweight permits to people who operate certain superheavy or oversize equipment on a state highway. This bill authorizes TxDOT to issue an annual permit for the movement of certain oversize or overweight equipment on a state highway. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1345 sets forth provisions regarding the issuance of permits to move certain heavy equipment over a state highway. 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 623.071, Transportation Code, by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (f), to authorize the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to issue an annual permit to allow the operation on a state highway of equipment that exceeds weight and size limits provided by law for the movement of water well drilling machinery and equipment being moved as part of an agricultural operation; or superheavy or oversize equipment that has certain physical properties. Authorizes a single trip permit that increases the height or width limits established in Subsection (c)(3)(B)(i) or (ii) to be issued by TxDOT and used in conjunction with an annual permit issued under Subsection (c). Makes a conforming change. SECTION 2. Amends Section 623.074(b), Transportation Code, to require an application to give the width, height, and length of the equipment. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 3. Amend Section 623.076, Transportation Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c), to require an application for a permit under Section 623.071(c)(3) to be accompanied by a permit fee established by the Texas Transportation Commission in a certain amount. Requires TxDOT to send a certain amount of the fees collected under this subsection to either the general revenue fund or the state highway fund. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 4. Amends Section 623.077(a), Transportation Code, to provide that an application for a permit under this subchapter, other than a permit under Section 623.071(c)(3), is required to pay a highway maintenance fee. SECTION 5. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.