SRC-AXB S.B. 1371 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1371
By: Duncan
Infrastructure
4/22/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, overweight truck operators who disregard vehicle loading laws
cost the state of Texas millions of dollars per year in road damage and
safety-related issues.  Higher fines for offenses could deter repeat
offenders.  S.B. 1371 increases criminal penalties for violating certain
vehicle weight limitations, and creates provisions for the fine's deposit.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1371 increases criminal penalties for violating certain
vehicle weight limitations, and creates provisions for the fine's deposit. 

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 621.506(b) and (g), Transportation Code, to
increase fine amounts, which are punishments for offenses under this
Section.  Creates an exception from the requirement that 50 percent of a
fine must be sent to the comptroller, regarding the distance an offense
occurred in relation to an international border. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 1999.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.Emergency clause.