AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
S.B. 1742 provides access to high occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV lanes) for a motor vehicle displaying a "plug-in electric vehicle" insignia regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle unless the use would impair the receipt of federal funds. By implementing this statewide inducement, Texas will attract earlier deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) by automakers to Texas and increase consumer adoption so that the state's vehicle owners and drivers can profit from the environmental and economic benefits of EVs.
S.B. 1742 amends current law relating to the number of occupants required to use HOV lanes by a vehicles that is propelled to a significant extent by an electric motor.
As proposed, S.B. 1742 amends current law relating to the operation of plug-in electric motor vehicles.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 224.153, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (e), as follows:
(e) Authorizes a motor vehicle displaying the "plug-in electric vehicle" insignia authorized by Section 502.186 in an easily readable location on the back of the vehicle to use a high occupancy vehicle lane regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle unless the use would impair the receipt of federal funds.
SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 502, Transportation Code, by adding Section 502.186, as follows:
Sec. 502.186. "PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE" INSIGNIA FOR CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES. (a) Requires the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), at the time of registration or reregistration of a motor vehicle, to issue a specially designed "plug-in electric vehicle" insignia for a motor vehicle that:
(1) is made by a manufacturer primarily for use on public highways;
(2) has not been modified from original manufacturer specifications;
(3) is rated at not more than 8,500 pounds unloaded gross vehicle weight;
(4) has a maximum speed capability of at least 65 miles per hour; and
(5) is propelled to a significant extent by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery that:
(A) has a capacity of not less than 3.4 kilowatt hours; and
(B) is capable of being recharged from an external source of electricity.
(b) Requires TxDMV to issue a "plug-in electric vehicle" insignia under this section without the payment of any additional fee to a person who:
(1) applies to TxDMV on a form provided by TxDMV; and
(2) submits proof that the motor vehicle being registered is a vehicle described by Subsection (a).
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2011.