SRC-CTC S.C.R. 7 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.C.R. 7
77R2081 RVH-DBy: Shapleigh
Business & Commerce
3/20/2001
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the governments of Texas and Mexico are challenged with
attempting to reduce commercial vehicle congestion occurring at
international border crossings as a result of the increase in trade
activity under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Approximately 80 percent of all United States trade with Mexico passes
through Texas ports of entry and into border commercial zones.  The Bush
administration has indicated that it will allow Mexican commercial vehicles
at least partial access to United States highways beyond the commercial
border zone.  Since maximum axle loads in Mexico are higher than those
permitted for Texas trucks, there is concern regarding the impact these
higherweight trucks will have on Texas highways.  Intelligent
Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies are currently in service at
certain locations along the Texas-Mexico border using weigh-in motion
technology to collect and transmit data for Texas Department of Public
Safety and United States Customs officials to use in determining if an
inspection of a commercial vehicle is warranted. 



PURPOSE 

As proposed, S.C.R. 7 submits the following resolutions:

Directs the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to collaborate with
Mexico to develop and implement an electronic check and clearance system at
border crossings in Mexico using state-of-the-art ITS technologies,
including weigh-in motion technology. Provides that the secretary of state
will forward an official copy of this resolution to the executive director
of TxDOT and to the chair of the Texas Transportation Commission.