BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                       H.B. 602

79R11107 JRJ-F                                                                                              By: Eissler (Williams)

Intergovernmental Relations

5/19/2005

Engrossed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The proximity of certain counties to others and the resulting high volume of large truck traffic necessitates additional weight enforcement officers to enforce all license and weight laws.  The purpose of H.B. 602 is to expand the definition of a weight enforcement officer to include a constable or deputy constable designated under Section 621.4015, Transportation Code.  H.B. 602 amends Section 621.4015 to allow a county commissioners courts to designate a constable or deputy constable of the county as a weight enforcement officer, if certain criteria are satisfied.

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 621.401, Transportation Code, to redefine "weight enforcement officer."

SECTION 2.  Amends Subchapter F, Chapter 621, Transportation Code, by adding Section 621.4015, as follows:

Sec. 621.4015.  DESIGNATION BY COMMISSIONERS COURT.  Authorizes a county commissioners court to designate a constable or deputy constable of the county as a weight enforcement officer in certain counties.

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2005.