BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2319

By: Paddie

Transportation

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that vehicles powered by natural gas typically weigh more due to heavier fuel tanks and fuel, causing certain heavy duty natural gas vehicles to be unable to carry a full trailer load without exceeding applicable vehicle weight limitations. C.S.H.B. 2319 seeks to address this issue by revising vehicle weight limitations for such vehicles.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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

C.S.H.B. 2319 amends the Transportation Code to authorize a vehicle or combination of vehicles that is powered by an engine fueled primarily by natural gas to exceed certain vehicle weight limitations by an amount that is equal to the difference between the weight of the vehicle attributable to the natural gas tank and fueling system carried by that vehicle and the weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system. The bill caps the maximum gross weight of such a vehicle or combination of vehicles at 82,000 pounds.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2017.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

While C.S.H.B. 2319 may differ from the original in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following comparison is organized and formatted in a manner that indicates the substantial differences between the introduced and committee substitute versions of the bill.

INTRODUCED	HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SECTION 1.  Section 621.101, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows: (b-1)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a vehicle or combination of vehicles that is powered by an engine fueled primarily by natural gas may exceed any weight limitation under this section by an amount that is equal to the difference between the weight of the vehicle attributable to the natural gas tank and fueling system carried by that vehicle and the weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system, provided that the maximum gross weight of the vehicle may not exceed 82,000 pounds.	SECTION 1.  Section 621.101, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows: (b-1)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a vehicle or combination of vehicles that is powered by an engine fueled primarily by natural gas may exceed any weight limitation under this section by an amount that is equal to the difference between the weight of the vehicle attributable to the natural gas tank and fueling system carried by that vehicle and the weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system, provided that the maximum gross weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles may not exceed 82,000 pounds.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2017.