BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2537

By: Creighton

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Certain city and county peace officers can currently become certified through the Texas Department of Transportation to enforce commercial vehicle safety standards.  These standards relate to issues such as safe vehicle maintenance, equipment, loading, and operations, and the transport of hazardous materials.  County sheriffs and deputy sheriffs can become certified if they reside in a county of more than 2.2 million or a county that borders Mexico.  Many fast-growth counties that do not fall into these categories need more resources to address increased amounts of traffic on their roads. 

H.B. 2537 makes a sheriff or deputy sheriff in any county eligible for certification to enforce commercial motor vehicle safety standards. 

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

H.B. 2537 amends the Transportation Code to remove the requirement that a sheriff or deputy sheriff, to be eligible for certification to enforce provisions relating to commercial motor vehicle safety standards, must serve in a county bordering the United Mexican States or a county with a population of 2.2 million or more.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.