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.