SRC-MAX H.B. 1418 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1418
By: Alexander (Sibley)
State Affairs
5-14-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

The 74th Legislature passed legislation which dealt with the regulation of
motor carriers.  Article 6675s, V.T.C.S., provides annual registration
requirements, liability and cargo insurance requirements and consumer
protection requirements for motor carriers transporting household goods
for commercial hire.  This bill registers all household goods movers
regardless of size and gross vehicle weight of the equipment. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1418 sets forth provisions regarding the regulations of
motor carriers of household goods. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Department of Transportation
in SECTION 1 and 2 (Section 3(e) and 8(f), Article 6675c, V.T.C.S.) of
this bill.   

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Sections 3(a) and (e), Article 6675c, V.T.C.S., to
prohibit a motor carrier from operating a commercial motor vehicle as
defined by Section 548.001, Transportation Code, any vehicle transporting
household goods for compensation, or certain other vehicles on a road or
highway of this state unless certain conditions are met.  Requires the
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to adopt simplified procedures
for the registration of motor carriers transporting household goods or
agents for carriers required to register under this article. 

SECTION 2. Amends Sections 8(c) and (f), Article 6675, V.T.C.S., to delete
provisions regarding carriers transporting household goods.  Requires
TxDOT rules to include but are not limited to measures to require a motor
carrier transporting household goods to list certain information in any
print advertising published in this state.  Requires TxDOT to appoint a
rules advisory committee. Sets forth the composition and duties of the
committee.  Authorizes TxDOT to adopt rules to govern the operations of
the advisory committee.  Deletes provisions regarding  collective
ratemaking agreements.   

SECTION 3. Amends Section 1(1), Article 6675d, V.T.C.S. to redefine
"commercial motor vehicle." 

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 5. Emergency clause.