1-1 AN ACT
1-2 relating to speed limits on state highways.
1-3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-4 SECTION 1. Section 545.353, Transportation Code, is amended
1-5 by amending Subsection (d) and by adding Subsections (h) and (i) to
1-6 read as follows:
1-7 (d) Except as provided by Subsection (h), the [The]
1-8 commission may not:
1-9 (1) modify the rules established by Section
1-10 545.351(b);
1-11 (2) establish a speed limit of more than 70 miles per
1-12 hour; or
1-13 (3) increase the speed limit for a vehicle described
1-14 by Section 545.352(b)(5).
1-15 (h) Notwithstanding Section 545.352(b), the commission may
1-16 establish a speed limit of 75 miles per hour in daytime on a part
1-17 of the highway system if:
1-18 (1) the commission determines that 75 miles per hour
1-19 in daytime is a reasonable and safe speed for that part of the
1-20 highway system; and
1-21 (2) that part of the highway is located in a county
1-22 with a population density of less than 10 persons per square mile.
1-23 (i) The speed limit authorized by Subsection (h) does not
1-24 apply to:
2-1 (1) trucks, other than light trucks and light trucks
2-2 pulling a trailer; and
2-3 (2) truck tractors, trailers, and semitrailers.
2-4 SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
2-5 a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
2-6 provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
2-7 Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
2-8 Act takes effect September 1, 2001.
_______________________________ _______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 299 was passed by the House on May
11, 2001, by a non-record vote; and that the House concurred in
Senate amendments to H.B. No. 299 on May 24, 2001, by the following
vote: Yeas 140, Nays 0, 1 present, not voting.
_______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 299 was passed by the Senate, with
amendments, on May 18, 2001, by the following vote: Yeas 28, Nays
2, 1 present, not voting.
_______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________________
Date
__________________________
Governor