SRC-ARR H.B. 1538 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1538
76R5964 JD-FBy: Uher (Cain)
Infrastructure
5/10/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Under current law, the permitting system for a carrier to operate oversize
and superheavy equipment is "vehicle-specific" in that each permit is
issued to a specific vehicle and is nontransferable unless the vehicle is
destroyed. The purpose of this legislation is to allow a motor carrier to
obtain an annual permit to operate an oversize or superheavy  vehicle if
the vehicle is properly registered, rather than obtaining a permit for each
specific vehicle. H.B. 1538 would set forth requirements for the issuance
of annual permits to move certain superheavy or oversize equipment on a
state highway by the Texas Department of Transportation.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1538 sets forth requirements for the issuance of annual
permits to move certain superheavy or oversize equipment on a state highway
by the Texas Department of Transportation.  

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 Sections 623.071(d)-(g), Transportation Code, to
authorizes the Texas Department of Transportation (department) to issue an
annual permit to a motor carrier, as defined by Section 643.001, that
allows the motor carrier to operate on a state highway two or more vehicles
for the movement of superheavy or oversize equipment described by
Subsection (c)(3). Requires an application under this section to be on the
form prescribed by the department and include a description of each vehicle
to be operated by the motor carrier under the permit. Sets forth
requirements for a permit. Deletes existing subsection (g), regarding a
report. Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 623.076(c), Transportation Code, to make a
conforming change.  

SECTION 3 Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.