SRC-MKV, SEW S.B. 545 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 545 77R5587 JD-DBy: Brown, J. E. "Buster" State Affairs 2/14/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, Texas roads and bridges are suffering due to an increase of traffic weight. This is especially true for county roads, which are built to support a typical weight of trucks and buses at 50,000 pounds, while state roads are built to support 80,000 pounds, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. As proposed, S.B. 545 increases the fee to obtain an overweight truck permit, doubles the bond or letter or credit required for an overweight truck, requires the county's approval of the truck route, and allows the county the option to file suit in its own district court when damage to county roads occurs. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 623.0111(a), Transportation Code, to require a person who applies for a permit under Section 623.011 to pay, in addition to other fees, an annual fee in a certain amount determined according to a standard table. SECTION 2. Amends Section 623.012(b), Transportation Code, to change the amount of the bond or the letter of credit payable to the Texas Department of Transportation and the counties of this state from $15,000 to $30,000. SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 623B, Transportation Code, by adding Section 623.0135, as follows: Sec. 623.0135. APPROVAL OF ROUTE BY COUNTY. Authorizes a holder of a permit issued under Section 623.011 to operate the vehicle on a county road or bridge or over a county culvert with a load limitation established under Chapter 621B or Section 621.301 of a county designated in the permit application only with the approval of the county judge, or a person designated by the county judge. SECTION 4. Amends Section 623.016(c), Transportation Code , to delete language relating to a defendant who is a corporation or partnership and a defendant who is a corporation or partnership that does not have a principal place of business in this state. SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 2001. Makes application of this Act prospective.