BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 441

By: Guillen

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current provisions of law relating to semitrailer registration and fees are found in two chapters of the Transportation Code relating to registration of vehicles and permits for oversize or overweight vehicles.  H.B. 441 amends both chapters to increase efficiency in cases where a semitrailer requires an additional registration fee due to excess weight.

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. 441 amends the Transportation Code to set the yearly registration fee for a semitrailer with a gross weight of more than 6,000 pounds that is used or is to be used in combination with a truck-tractor or commercial motor vehicle with a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds at $15, regardless of whether an excess axle or gross weight permit has been issued for the power unit propelling the semitrailer.  The bill removes a provision that set the registration fee at $30 for a semitrailer for which such a permit has been issued and at $15 for a semitrailer for which such a permit has not been issued.  The bill increases from $75 to $90 the base permit fee that must be paid to qualify for a permit for excess axle or gross weight.  The bill increases from $25 to $40 the portion of the base fee collected for an excess weight permit that the comptroller of public accounts is required to deposit to the credit of the state highway fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011.