BILL ANALYSIS
By: Carona
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Currently, Section 622.902, Transportation Code, prohibits the maximum length for saddlemount vehicle transporter combinations from exceeding 75 feet. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) (Pub. L. 109-59), changed the maximum length for such transporter combinations from 75 feet to 97 feet, effective on August 10, 2005.
As proposed, S.B. 331 increases from 75 to 97 feet the maximum length for saddlemount vehicle transporter combinations in order to bring the State of Texas into compliance with federal legislation.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 622.902, Transportation Code, as follows:
Sec. 622.902. LENGTH EXCEPTIONS. Increases from 75 to 97 feet the overall length that a transporter combination for a drive-away saddlemount vehicle or drive-away saddlemount with fullmount vehicle transporter combination, as defined by 23 C.F.R. Part 658 or its successor, may be to avoid falling under the length limitations provided by Sections 621.203 to 621.205 (regarding maximum lengths for motor vehicles, semi-trailers or trailers, and vehicle combinations).
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.