SRC-MAX S.B. 1631 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1631 By: Duncan State Affairs 4-6-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, necessary technical corrections have been identified after close examination of the oversize and overweight permit statutes. It is believed that by clarifying the content of oversize and overweight vehicle applications and permits, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) efficiency would increase regarding the permit issuance process. This bill would allow TxDOT to accept payment by credit card or electronic funds transfer for permits under certain conditions. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1631 authorizes Texas Department of Transportation to issue certain permits for the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Transportation Commission in SECTIONS 2 and 4 (Sections 621.356 and 623.074(c), Transportation Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 621.003, Transportation Code, by adding Subsections (d) and (e), to authorize the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to contract with a third-party to act as TxDOT's agent in the processing of a permit application and the distributions of a permit issued by the TxDOT under this section. Authorizes an agreement entered into under this section to provide for a third-party to act as the agent of each state in the processing of a permit application and the distribution of a permit issued by a state under this section. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 621E, Transportation Code, by adding Section 621.356, as follows: Sec. 621.356. FORM OF PAYMENT. Authorizes the Texas Transportation Commission to adopt rules prescribing the methods for payment of a fee for a permit issued by TxDOT that authorizes the operation of certain vehicles. Authorizes the rules to contain certain specifications. SECTION 3. Repealer: Section 623.073, Transportation Code (Agent). SECTION 4. Amends Sections 623.074(b) and (c), Transportation Code, to require the application to contain the weight and dimensions of the equipment. Provides that an application for a permit under Section 623.071(a), to state each highway, rather than each highway and the distance, over which the equipment is to be operated, if the permit is for a single-trip, or the region or area, as required by rule, over which the equipment is to be operated, if the permit is for other than a singletrip. SECTION 5. Amends Section 623.076(b), Transportation Code, to authorize the rules adopted under this section to authorize the use of electronic funds transfer. SECTION 6. Amends Section 623.080(b), Transportation Code, to make a conforming change. SECTION 7. Amends Section 623.081(c), Transportation Code, to require an applicant for a permit to provide by telephone to TxDOT, rather than an agent designated by TxDOT under Section 623.073. SECTION 8. Repealer: Section 623.125, Transportation Code (Agent). SECTION 9. Emergency clause. Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.