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.