Honorable Kenneth Armbrister, Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1540 by Bonnen (Relating to the regulation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of the idling of a motor vehicle while the driver is using the vehicle's sleeper berth; providing a penalty.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would prohibit and limit adoption or enforcement of rules that prohibit trucks and other vehicles from idling when idling is necessary to power a heater or air conditioner while a driver is using the vehicle’s sleeper berth for a government-mandated rest period. The bill would also prohibit idling within 1,000 feet of a school zone and provide for a penalty for violations. There could be some costs to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality associated with rulemaking and amending the State Implementation Plan. These costs are expected to be absorbed using current agency resources. The provisions of the bill would expire on September 1, 2007.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.