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.