SRC-JJJ H.B. 3061 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3061
76R6697 DWS-FBy: Hill (Bernsen)
Infrastructure
5/10/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

H.B. 3061 attempts to streamline the issuance of various permits
authorizing the operation of oversize and overweight vehicles and loads by
exempting governmental entities from payment of fees for all size and
weight permits; removing the requirement for a windshield sticker for
weight tolerance permits; and removing the requirement that applications
for certain permits be dated and signed by the applicant. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3061  establishes conditions regarding the issuance of
permits for the operation of certain vehicles that exceed maximum size or
weight limitations. 

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 Chapter 621E, Transportation Code, by adding Section
621.357, as follows: 

Sec. 621.357.  PAYMENT OF FEES BY GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY.  Prohibits the Texas
Department of Transportation (department) from charging a governmental
entity a fee for a permit issued by the department that authorizes the
operation of a vehicle and its load or a combination of vehicles and load
exceeding size or weight limitations.   

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 623.011, Transportation Code, to delete text
regarding the issuance of a sticker in order to aid in the enforcement of
weight limitations, and that failing to display the sticker is a Class C
misdemeanor. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 623.0112, Transportation Code, to make
conforming changes. 

SECTION 4.  Amends Sections 623.074(b) and (d), Transportation Code, to
delete text requiring an application to be dated and signed; considering an
electronic application to be dated and signed if certain conditions exist;
and the definition of "digital signature."  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 5.  Amends Section 623.123, Transportation Code, to delete text
requiring an application to be signed and dated by the applicant.  Makes
conforming changes. 

SECTION 6.  Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.