BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3309

By: Rodriguez, Eddie

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, the Texas Transportation Commission has authority to set a maximum weight for a vehicle or combination of vehicles and loads that may be moved over a state highway or farm or ranch road if the commission finds that a heavier weight would rapidly deteriorate or destroy the road or a bridge or culvert along the road.  In a 2009 report, the State Auditor recommended allowing the Texas Department of Transportation, rather than the commission, to set the maximum vehicle weight for a state-owned bridge to expedite implementation of restrictions that may be necessary for public safety.  H.B. 3309 seeks to expedite the process of setting maximum vehicle weights by transferring authority from the commission to the department.

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. 3309 amends the Transportation Code to replace references to the Texas Transportation Commission with references to the executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation in provisions relating to the authority to set a maximum weight for a vehicle or combination of vehicles and loads that may be moved over a state highway or a farm or ranch road.  The bill makes conforming changes.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2011.