SRC-JFA S.B. 605 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 605 By: Armbrister State Affairs 3-3-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the Transportation Code regulates the use of escort flag vehicles for the movement of industrialized buildings and portable buildings. A discrepancy exists between the escort flag requirements applicable to each set of buildings. Although manufactured and regulated under different laws, these buildings are both pre-fabricated and modular in design and share similar size and structural characteristics. Some portable building manufacturers now construct and distribute other products similar in size and weight to the portable buildings. This bill would require the escort flag vehicle requirements set forth in Section 623.099, Transportation Code, to apply to the movement of portable buildings and cargo. Additionally, this bill would authorize a permit for the transportation of such vehicles to apply to the movement of compatible cargo. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 605 sets forth the requirements of escort flag vehicles in regard to the movement of portable building units and authorizes a permit that applies to such units to additionally apply to the movement of compatible cargo. 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 623.099(f), Transportation Code, to provide that an escort flag vehicle may not be required under this subchapter, except as expressly provided by this section. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 623F, Transportation Code, by adding Sections 623.129 and 623.130, as follows: Sec. 623.129. ESCORT REQUIREMENTS. Requires the escort flag vehicle requirements set forth in Section 623.099 to apply to the movement of portable building units and cargo pursuant to permits issued by the Department of Transportation (department) under this subchapter. Sec. 623.130. COMPATIBLE CARGO. Authorizes a permit issued by the department as provided by Section 623.121 to authorize the movement of other cargo manufactured, assembled, and distributed by the manufacturer to or from any location where the manufacturer's portable buildings may be lawfully stored, sold, or delivered. Sets forth the conditions in which the cargo referred to in this section must be compatible with the movement of portable building units permitted by the department under Section 623.121. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 4. Emergency clause.