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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the operation of plug-in electric motor vehicles. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 224.153, Transportation Code, is amended |
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by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows: |
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(e) A motor vehicle displaying the "plug-in electric |
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vehicle" insignia authorized by Section 502.186 in an easily |
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readable location on the back of the vehicle may use a high |
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occupancy vehicle lane regardless of the number of occupants in the |
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vehicle unless the use would violate federal transit or highway |
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funding restrictions. |
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SECTION 2. Subchapter D, Chapter 502, Transportation Code, |
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is amended by adding Section 502.186 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 502.186. "PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE" INSIGNIA FOR |
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CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLES. (a) At the time of registration or |
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reregistration of a motor vehicle, the department shall issue a |
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specially designed "plug-in electric vehicle" insignia for a motor |
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vehicle that: |
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(1) is made by a manufacturer primarily for use on |
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public highways; |
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(2) has not been modified from original manufacturer |
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specifications; |
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(3) is rated at not more than 8,500 pounds unloaded |
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gross vehicle weight; |
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(4) is acquired for use or lease by a consumer and not |
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for resale; |
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(5) has a speed capability of at least 65 miles per |
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hour; |
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(6) is propelled to a significant extent by an |
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electric motor that draws electricity from a battery that: |
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(A) has a capacity of not less than four kilowatt |
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hours; and |
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(B) is capable of being recharged from an |
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external source of electricity; and |
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(7) is not a recreational vehicle, as defined by |
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Section 522.004(b), that draws power from a battery or a hybrid |
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engine solely for purposes other than propulsion. |
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(b) The department shall issue a "plug-in electric vehicle" |
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insignia under this section to a person who: |
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(1) applies to the department on a form provided by the |
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department; and |
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(2) submits proof that the motor vehicle being |
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registered is a vehicle described by Subsection (a). |
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(c) The department may charge a fee for the issuance of a |
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"plug-in electric vehicle" insignia under this section. The fee |
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may not exceed $20 per motor vehicle. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011. |