SRC-AMY S.B. 1037 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1037 78R1288 MTB-DBy: Wentworth Infrastructure Development and Security 3/26/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, Texas law allows cities, with Texas Department of Transportation approval, to prohibit truck traffic from the left lane of a highway to alleviate congestion and safety issues resulting from increasing truck traffic. Houston recently adopted this policy, which resulted in a 68 percent decrease in accidents overall. As proposed, S.B. 1037 authorizes the Texas Transportation Commission to restrict, by class of vehicle, through traffic to two designated lanes on state highways with controlled access and a minimum of three lanes, excluding frontage roads. 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 Chapter 545B, Transportation Code, by adding Section 545.0652, as follows: Sec. 545.0652. STATE RESTRICTION ON USE OF HIGHWAY. (a) Defines "highway." (b) Authorizes the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) to restrict, by class of vehicle, through traffic to two designated lanes of a highway, by resolution or order recorded in its minutes. (c) Requires a resolution or order under Subsection (b) adhere to certain criteria. (d) Authorizes TTC to suspend or rescind a resolution or order under Subsection (b) for certain reasons. (e) Requires the Texas Department of Transportation to erect and maintain official traffic control devices necessary to implement and enforce a resolution or order adopted and approved under this section. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.